Oct 01 2024
News
Airspeeder has teamed up with global architecture firm HOK to design the world’s first modular race vertiport, setting the stage for the future of eVTOL racing. This innovative concept aims to revolutionise both the sport and spectator experience, blending cutting-edge design with sustainability.
Airspeeder, the world’s first crewed flying car racing series, has teamed up with renowned architecture firm HOK to reveal a revolutionary design for a modular race vertiport and event space. This innovative project, designed by HOK’s London-based Sports + Entertainment team, showcases the future of eVTOL racing infrastructure. With modularity, sustainability, and fan experience at its core, the vertiport aims to transform how the sport is viewed and experienced.
HOK has a proven track record of designing and delivering innovative projects, including LaGuardia Airport Terminal B in New York, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atalanta, Georgia, and the iconic Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, showcasing their expertise in creating cutting-edge environments worldwide.
The Airspeeder design addresses the unique challenges of air racing while creating an immersive space for spectators. At the heart of the concept is the Skydeck – a multi-functional hub that sits directly beneath the airborne racetrack, giving fans an unmatched experience of the race. The vertical nature of the setup offers a 360-degree experience, where viewers can see everything from the race grid to mid-race pit stops and the finish line, all from one spot.
"It is incredibly exciting to design a brand new sports typology. Airspeeder challenged us to draw on our decades of expertise designing for F1 and other sporting events while also imagining a physical environment for the future."John Rhodes Director of Sports + Entertainment at HOK
One of the standout features of the Skydeck is its modularity. The design allows for easy expansion, ensuring that the facility can grow alongside the Airspeeder series. Initially set to accommodate up to 10 teams and 20 Airspeeders, the structure can scale to meet the evolving needs of the sport, keeping pace with its rapid development.
HOK’s design also features an ‘airside’ zone, where teams have protected workspaces, ensuring operational safety while still allowing spectators to feel part of the action. Retractable landing pads enable Airspeeders to make mid-race pit stops to change batteries, ensuring fairness and efficiency in competition.
This adaptability makes it a long-term solution for both racing and fan engagement, ensuring that the infrastructure can evolve without losing its core functionality.
In line with Airspeeder’s commitment to sustainability, the modular vertiport adheres to a “leave no trace” policy. Solar-powered infrastructure and virtual race tracks mean the design minimises environmental impact, particularly in desert environments where early races will take place.
“We believe that flying car racing will initiate a new mobility revolution, advancing eVTOL and EV technology to benefit the entire industry. This collaboration with HOK represents not just a new sport but the future of high-speed, sustainable mobility.”Stephen Sidlo Global Media & Marketing Director at Airspeeder
The project also promises an enhanced spectator experience, balancing both real and augmented views of the race. The design brings fans closer to the action with retractable landing pads for mid-race pit stops and advanced technology that connects fans, whether on-site or watching remotely. It’s a first-of-its-kind approach to motorsport, integrating cutting-edge design with interactive fan experiences.
In partnership with Saltwater Games, creators of the Airspeeder game Celeros, Airspeeder is not just pushing the limits of flying car racing through gaming, but also preparing the next generation of eVTOL pilots at these locations. The simulator will be used both at live race events and beyond, blending virtual and real-world training to ensure that racers are prepared for the unique challenges of airborne competition.
Saltwater Games is also an investor in Airspeeder, further strengthening their role in shaping the future of flying car racing. Airspeeder were also joined on this project with partners INK Agency who provided all imagery and partner Epidemic Sound who worked on all sound design.
This collaboration between Airspeeder and HOK is setting the stage for a new era in motorsport, blending sustainability, cutting-edge design, and fan engagement into a cohesive vision for the future.
The design marks an exciting step in the development of Airspeeder as both a sport and a vision for the future of mobility. The modular vertiport is more than just infrastructure planning — it’s a statement about the potential of eVTOL racing and the future of urban mobility at scale.