Building the World’s Smallest Airport
Construction projects can be challenging no matter how big or small. But how would you go about planning and building the world’s smallest airport? Architect Norman Foster has come up with an ingenious solution. He recently revealed a full-scale prototype for a droneport at the 15th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice. Read on to find out more about this intriguing and exciting construction project.
World’s Smallest Airport?
The African population is rapidly increasing, and in areas like Rwanda there isn’t a properly established road network. In order to ship supplies, it’s thought that the best solution is to create cargo drone routes. A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle. It has no driver, but can follow a programmed route. However, the drones still need somewhere to land. An airport for drones – or droneport – is the perfect solution.
When built, the droneports will allow drones to deliver urgent supplies to Rwanda. Smaller drones will be able to deliver packages weighing up to 10kg, with larger drones carrying up to 100kg. These packages will contain emergency medical supplies but the larger drones could deliver electronics and e-commerce items to help modernise the communities.
Starchitect
It was announced in late 2015 that the famous British architect Norman Foster would design the droneports. He’s worked on several airports in the past, including Stansted, Hong Kong and Beijing, and he has even helped designed skyscrapers in London (The Gherkin) and New York (Hearst Tower). The initial droneports could be the first of many, with three planned in Rwanda and a potential extension to neighbouring Congo.
Building the Droneport
With the design now complete, Lord Foster intends for the droneports to be constructed by members of the local community. Each site will receive a kit for building the droneport vaults, which will include brick press machinery to convert local natural resources into building materials.
His idea reflects the “more with less” ethos of the project. The plans include a health clinic, a post room and digital facilities. These features will make the droneports a social hub as well as a port for delivering life-saving supplies. Lord Foster’s model of construction is a great example of how construction can help to change lives for the better.
Quality, Value and Service
No matter how big or small your construction project is, we’ll make sure you have the right tools for the job. At Manchester Safety, we stock all of the latest personal protective equipment and high quality construction supplies. Call our friendly, knowledgeable team on 01706 364 943 or contact us online for more information.
