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Gyroscopic Public Transit Concept Hovers Above Traffic at Varying Heights

26 Aug

[ By SA Rogers in Conceptual & Futuristic & Technology. ]

In this strange vision of a city in the not-so-distant future, disc-shaped public transit, emergency vehicles and cargo vehicles rise up above traffic on vertical supports to zoom through the streets unimpeded, lowering to the ground at designated stops. Created by designer Dahir Insaat, ‘Gyroscopic Transport’ looks like an alternate take on China’s traffic-straddling bus (which turned out to be a giant traffic-snarling scam, by the way.) Could this new proposal be any better?

In a video announcing the concept, Insaat explains how the technology works and lays the groundwork for gyroscopic vehicles with the potential to be more successful than their predecessors. Taking inspiration from recent developments in the area of electric motor control, Insaat developed a gyro car that “meets all current safety requirements.” Noting that it’s financially and often physically impossible to significantly expand roads in existing cities, the designer suggests that we take to our “unused road medians” as a solution.

The Gyro car could fit into existing roadway infrastructure while remaining independent from the flow of regular motor vehicle traffic below. It can elevate high enough on its supports to safely pass over most vehicles, running along a special fortified strip between lanes. The car itself has a lightweight body and can either be designed with mass transit interiors to fit large groups of passengers, or as luxurious lounges. In the video, the designer also explains how the concept could extend to emergency responders like firefighters.

Of course, the concept hasn’t avoided criticism and questions as to its feasibility. What happens when a vehicle hits its support pillars at high speed, for example? These kinds of technical details don’t seem fully fleshed out yet, but it’s an interesting idea, and watching the pods navigate traffic circles is kind of mesmerizing.

[ By SA Rogers in Conceptual & Futuristic & Technology. ]

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Navigating the Future: 12 Forward-Thinking Urban Transit Systems

15 Nov

[ By SA Rogers in Conceptual & Futuristic & Technology. ]

Integrating fairly seamlessly into existing city infrastructure, making use of renewable energy and solving the ‘last mile’ problem plaguing most public transit systems, these designs make some major advancements from the buses and trains already in use today. With some already in development around the world and others representing ideas that could provide inspiration for real-life solutions, these futuristic urban transit systems aim to get around traffic congestion and provide safer, more efficient rides.

Hyperloop for Dubai by Bjarke Ingels Group

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Residents of the United Arab Emirates could get from the cities of Dubai to Abu Dhabi in just twelve minutes with the hyperloop transportation system recently announced as a deal between Hyperloop One and Dubai Roads and Transport Authority. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the system will carry passengers in 6-person pods contained within a pressure vessel ‘transporter’; the units are small to allow for on-demand travel and reduce wait times.

Self-Driving Bus by Mercedes-Benz

Weltpremiere: Mercedes-Benz Future Bus mit CityPilot – Meilenstein auf dem Weg zum autonom fahrenden Stadtbus

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Already tested on a 12-mile route in Amsterdam, Mercedes-Benz’ new line of self-driving buses avoids human error while performing their usual duties, with a driver only present to take over when the route isn’t suitable for automated driving. Short-range radar, satellite-controlled GPS navigation, sensors and cameras help it on its way, and it communicates with the route infrastructure via wi-fi to take advantage of rolling green lights.

Skytran for Tel Aviv

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The world’s first magnetically levitating skytTran system is set for development in Tel Aviv to reduce congestion, making routes faster, less expensive, more comfortable and more earth-friendly. Individual two-seater pods feature point-to-point service so travelers can reach specific destinations, and you can request one via a mobile app. Following completion in Tel Aviv, commercial skytrain systems will be rolled out worldwide.

Next Future Modular Transportation System

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The self-driving modules envisioned by Next Future can link up like a typical transit system or go their own way on existing roadways, with users ordering them through a mobile app. Like the skyTran, this system takes care of that ‘last mile’ problem, automatically calculating routes. The 8×8’ modules, which hold ten passengers each, can link together in a ‘swarm’ or split up. When they’re linked, you can move from one module to the next to find the one that’s headed in the direction of your destination.

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Navigating The Future 12 Forward Thinking Urban Transit Systems

[ By SA Rogers in Conceptual & Futuristic & Technology. ]

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Traffic-Proof Transit: Real Car-Straddling Bus Rolls Out in China

06 Aug

[ By WebUrbanist in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

lanebusfeature

Initial plans to develop a lane-spanning bus in China were met with great enthusiasm but some skepticism, the latter of which is now being addressed versus a real-life, full-sized prototype.

The idea is simple: a bus that arches over traffic, neither hindered by nor hindering other vehicles on the road. Its mass and reduced need to start and stop also make the bus more sustainable than most transit options.

lanebus2

The mega-vehicle is spacious and vast, 72 feet long, 25 feet wide and 16 feet tall. With seven feet of clearance, leaves plenty of room below for ordinary road vehicles.

lanebustest

The bus runs on specialized tracks on either side of two-lane traffic roadways and can carry up to 300 passengers at top speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

Since the concept has been demonstrated, countries including Brazil, France, India and Indonesia have expressed interest in the TEB-1 system, hoping to deploy it on their own congested urban roadways.

[ By WebUrbanist in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

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Sick Transit: The World’s Germiest Tourist Attractions

09 Nov

[ By Steve in Destinations & Sights & Travel. ]

germiest-yunessun-wine-bath-2
Caught the travel bug? Visit the world’s 10 filthiest, germiest tourist attractions and you could catch much, much more than you bargained for!

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The famous red wine bath at the Kowakien Yunessun hot springs spa resort and water amusement park in Hakone, Japan gives the term “drinking problem” a whole new meaning. On the bright side, alcohol has antiseptic properties.

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Sure it’s easy to resist drinking bathwater tainted by dozens of strangers but when the water’s been turned into wine, you’d better just hold your nose and pray for your health.

Blarney Stone, Ireland

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No visit to Ireland would be complete without kissing the Blarney Stone; just ask the roughly 400,000 people who visit Blarney Castle in Cork each year to do just that. Take into account several centuries of tradition and you’ve got a pretty good chance of picking up much more than the gift of gab.

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Kudos to Flickr users colinfinkle2, Mark Folse, and Becky Lane (romplane) for striking a blow for – or maybe against – germophobes worldwide.

Market Theater Gum Wall, Seattle

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So it seems the gross & grotty Gum Wall under Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle is to be steam cleaned and scrubbed free of used chewing gum – the first time in 20 years this dirtiest of dirty jobs is to be done. Where’s Mike Rowe when you need him?

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The cleaning wasn’t prompted by public health issues, however, as according to the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority the sugars in the gum are beginning to erode the bricks! Once the walls are clean, visitors are encouraged to pick up where they left off.

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Sick Transit The Worlds Germiest Tourist Attractions

[ By Steve in Destinations & Sights & Travel. ]

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Sweet Transit: Japan’s Cute Fruit-Shaped Bus Stops

20 Sep

[ By Steve in Destinations & Sights & Travel. ]

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Originally built for a 1990 travel expo, these fruit-shaped bus stops from southern Japan still look as tasteful (and tasty!) as they did 25 years ago.

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EXPO ’90 (or the International Garden and Greenery Exposition; its formal title) was hosted by the city of Osaka from April through September of 1990. The fair attracted over 23,000,000 visitors over a six-month run, and a host of smaller fairs expressing related themes were held across Japan as well.

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Konagai, a small town situated just east of Nagasaki, decided to jump aboard the bandwagon by hosting the little-known Nagasaki Journey exhibition. The only remaining relics of the fair are fourteen bus stops (some sources state the number to be 16) constructed in the form of hollowed-out oversized fruits!

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The stops have held up remarkably well over the ensuing quarter-century… still functional and in splendid shape structurally, the bus stops erected along the 207 National Highway have become a tourist attraction in their own right.

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Sweet Transit Japans Cute Fruit Shaped Bus Stops

[ By Steve in Destinations & Sights & Travel. ]

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Transit

26 Feb

Ein Beitrag von: Matthias Koch

Ich bin aus beruflichen Gründen häufig und lange unterwegs. Meine Geschäftsreisen lassen mir normalerweise wenig Raum und Zeit für Kreativität. Die üblichen Stationen beschränken sich auf Flughäfen, Hotelzimmer, Büros und Sitzungsräume – keine exotischen Orte, sondern Orte banalen Alltags.
kwerfeldein – Fotografie Magazin | Fotocommunity

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Posted in Equipment

Transforming Transit: 13 Compact Scooters, Skates & More

02 Oct

[ By Steph in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

Urban Commuting Chariot Skates 2

Zoom past backed-up traffic and crowded sidewalks on an electric unicycle, motorized skates or a fold-up scooter/backpack combo. Urban personal transit is going electric and ultra-compact so you can reach your destination faster and then pack up your wheels and slide them under your desk or into your locker.

Olaf Scooter Backpack

Urban Commuter Olaf 2

The Olaf is a carry-on suitcase, trolley, kick-scooter and skateboard in one, with an instant ‘pedal transformation system’ enabling the switch from one function to the next. It has everything a business traveler needs in a compact, airline-approved suitcase, but it’s also suited for urban commuting, with a soft wooden longboard that flips up and down with a kick of the foot. The creators are currently raising funds on Kickstarter to bring it into production.

Motorized Skates

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If you find roller blades too dorky or slow to be a real option for travel around the city, maybe you just need a little boost. SpnKiX are motorized skates that strap on over your shoes, operated by a hand-held remote control so you can control your acceleration at the press of a button.

Snap Folding Skateboard

Skateboards may be portable, but they can be annoying to carry around all day. Enter the ‘SNAP,’ a foldable skateboard designed with students and commuters in mind. The full-sized longboard fits inside any locker with hinges that fold the deck in thirds. According to the designers, dividing the deck in three makes each individual section much stronger and more durable than a full-length wood deck.

Urban Glider

Urban Commuting Glider 2

This lightweight single-wheeled cycle will get you around town quickly, but is as easy to transport as a suitcase. The Urban Glider uses a gyroscopically-stabilized electric mono-wheel to keep you upright as you stand on the pedals, and you control it by leaning back, forward or to either side. While it only goes about 13 miles per hour at most, it’s faster than walking, and the battery lasts up to 6 hours per charge, taking just 30 minutes to juice back up.

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Transforming Transit 13 Compact Scooters Skates More

[ By Steph in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

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Water Buses: New Nautical Transit Solution for Urban Islands

31 May

[ By WebUrbanist in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

water bus rendering

Fathoms beyond traditional boat taxis, this modular water bus proposal for Stockholm bridges critical gaps within the current public transit system while also making boarding faster and transfers easier.

water bus sketch idea

Developed by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology’s Department of Aeronautical and Vehicle Engineering, the Waterway 365 project fills in transportation voids, in part by taking the quickest and most direct routes possible across the water. Featuring wide back and side exits as well as, the solution is also bike-friendly for rapid boarding and disembarking. Adding versatility to the design, modular detachable sections make the approach more adaptable to different passenger volumes.

water bus flow diagram

These water buses are also designed to run year-round, operating through winter freezes. To save materials and energy, the designers eschewed steel reinforced hulls in favor of lighter metal. The resulting vehicles are structured to handle some ice but are ultimately to be paired with ice-breaking plow boats as needed in extreme conditions. Initially envisioned for the country’s biggest city, the idea is to deploy these to bridge other urban waterways around Sweden as well.

water bus route map

From the design study: “A city comprised of islands, Stockholm seems a natural for the concept of water transit. Door-to-door travel time on at least one typical trip across town, the study shows, could potentially be reduced by one-third.” Connecting essential nodes, the idea is to reduce congestion as well as energy consumption in the long run.

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Water-based public transit already exists in many places, including the canals of Venice, but generally utilizes either flat-style ferries or streamlined boats. These approaches represent two extremes that this new water bus design aims to navigate between – the ease of getting on and off, on the one hand, versus speed and handling of the vehicle on the other.

[ By WebUrbanist in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

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The Bus Stops Here: 7 Transit Shelters by Famous Architects

21 May

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Public & Institutional. ]

angled bus shelter

Trading a free vacation for their design input, a series of world-renowned designers each contributed their vision of a bus shelter to a tiny town of just 1,000 residents in Austria.

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stepped bus shelter design

Each structure within the Bus:Stop project is unique and dramatic, aimed at creating a new attraction for the area in addition to the existing natural and resort amenities of Krumbach and its surroundings.

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tall top bus stop

All provide differing degrees of refuge from the elements, with some drawing on regional building typologies (stacked raw wood) or directing attention to site-specific views within and around the town (angled indicators pointing to sights).

teired wood bus stop

interior exterior bus stop

The last example above is the largest, providing both a bus shelter as well as a second-story viewing platform for a local tennis court.

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Together with a local architecture firm and craftspeople, theses diverse shelters reflect both international design approaches and boast the capabilities of regional creatives and builders.

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The list of contributors includes: “Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, Wang Shu’s Amateur Architecture Studio from China, Norwegian studio RintalaEggertsson Architects, Ensamble Studio from Spain, Chilean architect Smiljan Radic, Architecten de Vylder Vinck Taillieu from Belgium and Russian architect Alexander Brodsky. The project was overseen by Dietmar Steiner, the director of Vienna architecture museum Architekturzentrum Wien. Local private sponsors including hotel and inn owners, craft workers and business people provided the majority of the funding and services to support the process. The bus stops were inaugurated on 1 May and an exhibition documenting the design and construction process is currently on show at the Vai Vorarlberger Architektur Institut in the city of Dornbirn.”

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Public & Institutional. ]

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Dense City: Mixed-Use ‘Urban Alloy’ Transit Hub for New York

10 May

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Public & Institutional. ]

urban transit metal hub

Taking advantage of air rights above existing an transportation nexus, this design integrates elevated train lines, apartments, offices and shops to create a nodal point within NYC.

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Chad Kellogg and Matt Bowles of AMLGM clad the building in a distinctive metal-and-glass skin, intended to be iconic as well as functionally flexible, adaptive and responsive.

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urban green eco strategies

The connective steel structural elements morph according to an algorithm to allow for larger openings or shaded sections as needed.

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urban aerial satellite context

The vertical extrusions shoot upward using the same language as the horizontal connectors, entries and extensions that tie the building into the urban fabric.

urban skin concept models

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The design is both oriented toward human occupation and contextually related to landscape of the surrounding city, operating effectively at multiple scales.

urban section diagram drawing

While similarly audacious large-scale, mixed-use projects have failed in the past, the density of NYC lends itself to such a compact, all-in-one approach.

urban detail

From the designers: “A wide range of living conditions are offered within the one development. The programmatic options are set within a blend of floor plate geometries, transitioning from cylindrical to triangular from the base to the top of each tower. A composite or alloy of multiple flexible systems optimizes the skin so that each point has unique exposure, and is deployed on a grid that follows the direction of the surface.”

360Photography

Posts Tagged ‘Transit’

Gyroscopic Public Transit Concept Hovers Above Traffic at Varying Heights

Navigating the Future: 12 Forward-Thinking Urban Transit Systems

Hyperloop for Dubai by Bjarke Ingels Group

Self-Driving Bus by Mercedes-Benz

Skytran for Tel Aviv

Next Future Modular Transportation System

Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
Navigating The Future 12 Forward Thinking Urban Transit Systems

Traffic-Proof Transit: Real Car-Straddling Bus Rolls Out in China

Sick Transit: The World’s Germiest Tourist Attractions

Blarney Stone, Ireland

Market Theater Gum Wall, Seattle

Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
Sick Transit The Worlds Germiest Tourist Attractions

Sweet Transit: Japan’s Cute Fruit-Shaped Bus Stops

Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
Sweet Transit Japans Cute Fruit Shaped Bus Stops

Transit

Transforming Transit: 13 Compact Scooters, Skates & More

Olaf Scooter Backpack

Motorized Skates

Snap Folding Skateboard

Urban Glider

Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
Transforming Transit 13 Compact Scooters Skates More

Water Buses: New Nautical Transit Solution for Urban Islands

The Bus Stops Here: 7 Transit Shelters by Famous Architects

Dense City: Mixed-Use ‘Urban Alloy’ Transit Hub for New York

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Posts Tagged ‘Transit’

Hyperloop for Dubai by Bjarke Ingels Group

Self-Driving Bus by Mercedes-Benz

Skytran for Tel Aviv

Next Future Modular Transportation System

Next Page – Click Below to Read More: Navigating The Future 12 Forward Thinking Urban Transit Systems

Blarney Stone, Ireland

Market Theater Gum Wall, Seattle

Next Page – Click Below to Read More: Sick Transit The Worlds Germiest Tourist Attractions

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The Bus Stops Here: 7 Transit Shelters by Famous Architects

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Olaf Scooter Backpack

Motorized Skates

Snap Folding Skateboard

Urban Glider

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