Uber Elevate
Project proposal for UBER
SCAD Collaborative Learning Center (CLC)
Project Brief
Imagine soaring above congested ground traffic. With Uber Elevate, this future is closer than you think. Uber is building the future of aerial ridesharing, developing a new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to be used for rideshare air-taxi service.
In 2023, Uber plans to give riders the option of an affordable shared flight, that’s safe, quiet, and environmentally conscious, and that extends the reach of existing transportation options. Dallas, Los Angeles, and Melbourne, will be the first cities to have this service.
SCAD collaborated with Uber to assist in the research and development of a cabin interior and vertiports for the projects of Uber Elevate. The intent of the project is to design a universal experience of using the Uber Elevate network. For which we are to design a modular terminal or Skyport that functions as a brief waiting area to help riders navigate to and from their vehicle and the interior experience of the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL).
Research
Our primary research was a key opportunity for our team to dive deep into understanding potential riders and feel out the three dimensional space of our provided eVTOL shells.
To identify our design limitations, we researched the International Building Code requirements to determine occupancy load based on the assembly type which in turn determines the number of bathrooms and water fountains required by law. We also investigated structures to raise the platform that would come to be on the roofs of buildings that have adequate structural capacity.
Skyport Terminal Identity: How might we convert Uber’s two dimensional identity into a three dimensional design language?
Modular / Scalable Infrastructure: How might we design for flexibility of location while keeping in mind the ease of construction, weight and dynamic loads to be added on existing buildings?
Check In / Pre-Boarding Experience: How might we create a seamless and usable check in experience?
Controlled Access / Waiting: How might we account for the safety needs of the eVTOL without affecting the mood of the overall experience?
eVTOL
eVTOL is a new vehicle type that will transform the landscape of commuter transportation. The frontier of innovation was one of our guiding principles for the eVTOL design.
To identify our design limitations, we researched: FAA regulations for Helicopter Regulations Cabin size and limitation. We were able to prototype our layouts to find the most feasible ones. We began by designing general entry and egress, layouts and storage capabilities, and applied these designs to the specific vehicle’s- tilt-duct, tilt-rotor, lift and cruise, and tilt-wing.
In order to reduce weight of the vehicle, only one door is designed for entry and egress on the right side of the vehicle. The door is sized larger than a regular one to provide access to both rows of seats. The left side of the vehicle is a window which can be used in case of emergencies. And the pilot can exit using the origami door that separates the pilot from the riders.
Seat Design
The seat design was crafted with comfort in mind while accommodating FAA regulations. The goal was to design comfort for the 95th percentile male while considering ergonomics, Uber’s aesthetics and 12” crumple zone. The curvature of the seats follow the natural posture of a person at a level of microgravity which allows for there to be no anti-facility forces on the body, especially when considering take-off and landing in an eVTOL.
This overall form of seat ensures the efficiency in a manufacturable design. The half-standing, halfsitting design allows there to be more legroom and fosters the natural flow of passengers. The bench adapts to multiple body sizes. The seat alternatively functions as a storage for larger baggage. Essentially, it is flexible, lightweight, foldable, and breathable.
Skyport
Skyport is an addition to building roofs that acts as a station to help commuters transition from ground to air and back to ground transportation.
We designed the building to create a lasting impact on the rider. This is accomplished through numerous design elements such as the fluid forms that reflects the smooth and efficient movement of eVTOLs.
The design of the Skyport was done in parts instead of considering a specific building. This provides flexibility to adapt these parts to different locations. The kit consists of a check in module, a perch desk for skyport assistants, waiting area pods, and two unisex bathrooms that includes water fountains. To maintain a cohesive design language amongst the kit of parts we used consistent materials, forms, and curves.
Exploded Axonometric Skyport
design
The central atrium was promotes a sense of motion through the space with sweeping architectural forms. The waiting hubs are located on the second floor of the SkyPort, where strategically placed screens help riders stay informed with their trip status. Lit dots inform riders of their assigned seats. When all riders are present, the tarmac attendant will then assist the riders in boarding their eVTOL.
The facade is an important consideration when designing the architecture. We limited the use of Exterior glass to prevent heat gain, weight, and cost. Through our research of Uber, we found that Uber’s designs were influenced by the city they designed for. This paired with Uber’s profound positive impact on the economy of the city they are in, we were inspired to use materials that are contextually appropriate to skyport site.
tarmac Layout
Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations dictate the need to raise a Final Approach and Take Off area (FATO) pad above parapet level and so we designed the the vertiport ten feet above the building.
These dimensions were taken from Helicopter Regulations Part 27. Initial configurations of landing pads and FATO’s focused on efficiency of rider boarding process onto eVTOLs.
Check In
Our entry point is an important focal point within the rider journey as it is meant to excite and engage them. As individuals approach the check-in terminal, they tap their phone and enter the skyport. A digital infographic provides weather updates and eVTOL statuses. Linear lighting will guide riders up the ramp to a landing that leads them to their designated waiting area. Stairs provide a faster alternative for the riders to reach their waiting area.
Waiting Area
Keeping in mind Uber’s main goal is to have users wait no longer than 5 minutes, we designed the waiting area to be temporary and transitional. This was done by reducing number of seats, have information screens present flight statuses, weather statuses and orientation videos, and lastly, a dot system and beacon for smooth transition from waiting area to vehicle.
Aesthetic Story - MOOD BOARDS
To develop a cohesive design language, we studied Uber’s aesthetic and its evolution and developed a color story to inform our colors, textures, layers, materials, lighting, atmosphere, and form. Through this exercise we created seven design principles:
1. Fluid forms with glowing edges, 2. Hard and soft edges , 3. Contrasting details , 4. Color with purpose and hierarchy , 5. Unexpected materiality , 6. Practical over digital , 7. Milky light through translucency
Rider Experience
When translating Uber’s two dimensional service into a three dimensional experience, it was imperative to consider the rider’s experience during each and every step of the way.
Rider Personas
One of the most effective tools used throughout our design process was the implementation of rider personas, the following series of personas is based in our secondary and primary research, and covers a wide range of potential scenarios.
