Delivering supplies to Africans is a struggle because of the continent’s lack of roads and bridges.
Architect Norman Foster has proposed a solution. The Droneport project will carry cargo to remote areas by traversing mountains, lakes, rivers, and desert by unmanned aircraft, as World Architecture Community reports.
The drones can carry goods to places more than 100 kilometers, or 62 miles, away. The plan consists of two network services. The Redline will have smaller drones that will transport medical supplies, and the Blueline will be larger aircraft that will ship electronics, spare parts, and e-commerce.
The drones will land in structures called Droneports, which not only will store drones but also house health clinics, digital fabrication shops, and post and courier rooms.
The project is a collaboration between Redline partners led by Afrotech, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the Norman Foster Foundation, and Foster + Partners.
Related Stories
BIM and Information Technology | Oct 7, 2015
Skanska and University of Washington offer new BIM program
The 11-week course is available for students and professionals and teaches BIM software skills, virtual design, and construction processes.
Sponsored | BIM and Information Technology | Oct 7, 2015
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3 – designed with the AEC industry in mind
Sasha Reed sits down with Microsoft’s Senior Director of Programs, Pete Kyriacou to discuss the unique challenges AEC professionals face and why the Surface Pro 3 was designed to help them be more productive.
Sponsored | BIM and Information Technology | Oct 1, 2015
How can owners make better decisions with the help of analytics?
Sasha Reed sits down with David Fano, Chief Technology Officer for WeWork (formerly with CASE), at BIMForum to discuss how owners make better decisions with the help of analytics.
Modular Building | Sep 23, 2015
SOM and DOE unveil 3D-printed, off-the-grid building
The Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy (AMIE) building features a high-performance shell with a photovoltaic roof and built-in natural gas generator.
BIM and Information Technology | Sep 16, 2015
VIDEO: See how Wiss, Janney, Elstner engineers use drones to perform building inspections
"We believe that drone usage will enable building owners to assess problems quicker and with less risk to the general public and workers,” said WJE Principal Michael Petermann.
BIM and Information Technology | Sep 14, 2015
Is Apple's new iPad Pro a game changer for architects?
A stylus, split screen, and improved graphics make designing on the tablet easier.
BIM and Information Technology | Sep 9, 2015
How is data changing the nature of design?
Advances in building information modeling allow for more thorough project documentation, but don't get lost in the white noise, writes Shepley Bulfinch’s Kyle Martin.
BIM and Information Technology | Sep 7, 2015
The power of data: How AEC firms and owners are using analytics to transform design and construction
Case’s bldgs = data conference highlighted how collecting data about personal activities can inform design and extend the power of BIM/VDC.
BIM and Information Technology | Aug 28, 2015
MIT researchers develop 3D printer that produces intricate glass structures
The machine uses molten glass as its “ink,” contained in a “kiln cartridge” that heats up at 1,900 degrees until it is molten and pliable.
BIM and Information Technology | Aug 27, 2015
Zebra Imaging launches 3D hologram creator for Autodesk Revit
Company promises new product will bring "easy creation process" to holographic imaging in AEC community.
