NEWS

NEWS RELEASE

2024.04.10

How will flying cars change the buildings of the future?

Proposing a series of operational systems and designs that combine cities, architecture, and next-generation air mobility

Download the release here.

Mitsubishi Jisho Design Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Junichi Tanisawa) has proposed the concept of a next-generation mobility system called "SMS: Seamless Mobility System" that will serve as a "tool to connect cities, architecture, and people" and make people's movement seamless, both inside and outside buildings.
We are now pleased to announce that we will be extending the ideas of "SMS" to the skies above cities, proposing a new approach to eVTOL * that will enable greater freedom in the use of space.

eVTOL: Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. A vehicle that is attracting attention as the next generation of urban air transportation (next-generation air mobility, flying cars).

"Passenger VTOL" is an eVTOL designed as an extension and development of "SMS: Seamless Mobility System."
The three units can be combined and separated to provide seamless air and land movement.

From "future mobility systems" to "future city systems" and "architecture" proposals

In this proposal, as an approach taken by an Architectural Design firm, we not only depict the eVTOL itself, but also pursue "the state of the future city where advanced mobility is installed." As a further development of the new form of transportation proposed in "SMS," it is a concept to further improve the convenience of transportation in cities and make urban spaces more flexible and freely usable. At the same time, the proposed eVTOL will allow people and goods to directly access the rooftops and middle floors of buildings, bringing about a major revolution in the typology of buildings.
We will introduce and develop this series of concepts into our proposals that respond to the diverse challenges of modern cities and architecture.

"Passenger VTOL" is a mobility vehicle that enables seamless movement with a variable system

Our proposed eVTOL "Passenger VTOL" is a four-seater fully autonomous electric modular mobility system consisting of three units: propeller, cabin, and drive. It functions in conjunction with the vertiport * (described below) to seamlessly connect not only the air from port to port, but also the air and ground. The uniqueness of this design has been recognized, and we have now obtained a design patent in Europe (European Community Design DM/235029).

Vertiport is a word made up of the words "Vertical" and "Airport" and refers to an airport for vertical takeoff and landing.

We are verifying the design by creating a model (1/12 scale) using a 3D printer in which each unit and part can be detached.

Changed by new mobility, linking air and ground movement
What is the appearance of the building?

With the advent of eVTOL, the rooftops and middle floors of buildings will become "new entrances" in addition to conventional ground entrances. These will be vertiports for the takeoff and landing of "Passenger VTOL," where passengers can board and disembark, baggage can be loaded and unloaded, and the "Passenger VTOL" can switch modes. A mechanism will be installed on the exterior wall of the building to raise and lower the "Passenger VTOL" to and from the ground while still carrying people.
This will enable the building to play a new role as a hub for the flow of goods and people within the city.

Vertiport creates new flows of people and goods

❶ Pergola roof. The glass surface within the frame is expected to generate highly efficient solar power, charging the suspended "Passenger VTOL" propeller units.
❷ The cabin unit is raised by the elevator, combines with the propeller unit, and switches to flight mode.
❸ The propulsion unit while charging. When the Passenger VTOL arrives at the Vertiport in flight mode, it lands and docks on the propulsion unit, becoming self-propelled.
❹ "Passenger VTOL" can also be deployed as a logistics system. With a series of systems that combine various types of mobility, buildings can become new logistics hubs for cities.

Proposing a "new way of living in the city": Featured in Mitsubishi Estate 's concept video

The "Passenger VTOL" and vertiport concept in this proposal are featured in the release "Helicopter operation demonstration begins in urban areas toward the social implementation of flying cars" issued by Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. on February 13, 2024, and in the concept video. Please take a look.
(Links to Mitsubishi Estate website and YouTube.)

Mitsubishi Estate press release laying out the proposal.

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Mitsubishi Jisho Design Inc. Public Relations Office
TEL 03-3287-5001

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