The future of the slow transport movement is in the clouds. New York-based architect Tiago Barros proposes that people could travel about the entire landscape of the USA via ultra-comfortable spherical-shaped nylon-covered balloons forming the shape of a cloud (with a steel skeleton supporting the structure). The clouds would drift around according to current weather conditions and have no fixed route or destination. People could get on and off when they desire via extending ladders.
“Nowadays, traveling is achieved with this idea of having a fixed destination and an estimated time of arrival. Passing Cloud completely inverts this system,” explains the architect. “It has no fixed time of arrival or place for arrival. The journey becomes the essence.”
Dubbed the Passing Cloud, the wind-powered design proposal was recently created for the international ideas competition: Life at the Speed of Rail, promoted by Van Alen Institute and the Department of Cultural Affairs of New York City.
“Since it moves with the wind, no wind is ever felt during the trip, offering the passengers a full “floating sensation”,” he explains. “It’s an unique journey. The feeling of floating in the atmosphere – on top of a cloud – with an open schedule and unknown final destiny.
Via Passing Cloud & Deezen
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written by Edlet , October 27, 2011