While several companies, such as Amazon, UPS, and Domino’s, are experimenting with the future prospect of drone delivery, the necessary architectural infrastructure for such a business has yet to flourish. Which is why, as part of his master’s degree in architecture at Universidad de Alcalá, architect Saúl Ajuria Fernández has designed the Urban Droneport – a solar-powered drone hub of the future!
“The Project is motivated in the actual delivery conditions and problems and it’s inspired in the work of some technology and delivery companies. After analyzing the position of the most important companies in this sector I realized that there is a gap in urban environments so I try to propose a solution for that situation.”
– Saúl Ajuria Fernández
Photo Credit: Saúl Ajuria Fernández
This Urban Droneport would be located in Madrid, serving as a hub for drone delivery activity throughout the city. Interior-wise, it would house a logistics center and State Institute of Technology Development. Exterior-wise, the Droneport would contain spherical hangars for drones to take off from with ease. And to ensure environmental sustainability, it would be solar-powered with solar arrays attached to the hangar doors.
Photo(s) Credit: Saúl Ajuria Fernández
FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
There’s no doubt about it, drone deliveries are the future. Every major industry, from online retailers to medical shipment, have already noted an interest in adapting their delivery services with that of drones. Eventually we’ll all be witnessing the constant drone passerby in our skies. With that, however, there will also likely arise nefarious activities as well with the use of drones, such as the transporting of illegal drugs and weaponry. In response, various State Police units throughout the world have already noted an interest in embracing the drone revolution as well. However these drones will be used, they are going to enter our airspace and there’s nothing we can (nor should) do about it.