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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 new era of mobility, "SMS: Seamless Mobility System," which serves as a "tool that connects cities, architecture, and people" and enables seamless movement of people both inside and outside buildings.
We are now pleased to announce that we will be extending the ideas of SMS into 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, Architectural Design firm's approach goes beyond simply depicting the eVTOL itself, pursuing "the shape of future cities where advanced mobility is installed." As a further development of the new form of mobility advocated in "SMS," this concept aims to further improve the convenience of urban mobility and make urban spaces more flexible and freely usable. At the same time, the proposed eVTOL will enable people and goods to have direct access to the rooftops and intermediate floors of buildings, bringing about a major revolution in the typology (architectural form) of buildings.
We will incorporate 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 urban form": Featured in Mitsubishi Estate 's concept movie

The "Passenger VTOL" and vertiport concepts in this proposal were featured in a press release issued by Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. on February 13, 2024, entitled "Helicopter operation demonstration begins in urban areas to promote the social implementation of flying cars," as well as in the accompanying concept video. Please take a look at these as well.
(Links to Mitsubishi Estate website and YouTube.)

Mitsubishi Estate Estate press release laying out the proposal.

You can purchase the booklet "SMS" (A4 format, 92 pages, price: 3,000 yen + tax),
For inquiries regarding the contents, please contact us using the form below.
▶ Mitsubishi Jisho Design website inquiry form https://www.mjd.co.jp/contact/

Contact for inquiries regarding this matter

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

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