Q: How do you put a proposed hotel/ condo development on the map? A: Stick an airport on its roof.
NEW ERA …of larger, cleaner planes. Approaching zeppelins in size, these slippery floating orbs (787 Dreamliner, Airbus 380) contain within them vagabond societies that mingle, snore and scheme while they redraw global air-routes by their selected landing places. Locals are imbued with riches.
The Concordes are now gone- economy, space and comfort have beaten speed in the air. People enjoy suspended time.
CHALLENGE Many airports have not the capacity to accommodate these giant vessels. Cities scramble for rarified landing rights and thus destination-dominance while citizens rail against noise and fumes.
ANSWER A new type and experience: a global air hub in the sky. The Birnbeck Island Skyport will be funded by vast retail, recreational and business revenues. It will be both a shopper’s and plane-spotter’s paradise.
HUB The approach is by air, monorail and sea. “Ye Olde Towne’s” original taverns shops and museums greet travelers to the Skyport’s tower of airy plug-in hotel suites, chi-chi boutiques and conference centers.
A shimmering woven stainless steel podium of runways floats high on top welcoming waves of jetsetters. From below taxiways light up like brilliant constellations.
SAFE Air safety is increased thanks to a 160 m high air cushion for overshot landings and stunted takeoffs. The fueling stacks are isolated from populated zones. Sightlines are clear at this lighthouse for planes.
REVITALIZING Shot in the arm for the local economy, as money flies into this new destination. Hovering garden-in-the-sky lures chronic conference room dwellers outdoors for golf. Vertigo and greenery foment heightened pleasures and new perspectives. Locals are happy as new planes are quieter, cleaner and runways are way up high.
