IDEA:
L1-17 - Water shortcut

PILLAR:
C - Waterborne

RESEARCH AREA:
RA5 - People Mobility - Systems and Services

TEAM NAME:
Maja Kozlowska

TEAM MEMBERS:
Maja Kozłowska (Team leader)


UNIVERSITY:
Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk

COUNTRY:
POLAND

ABSTRACT:
Many European cities are divided by rivers. This
generates communication problems. The most common solutions for the
movement between the edges are: bridges, tunnels, and ferries. Fixed
constructions, however, are expensive, sometimes even impossible to
implement in the historic architecture and additionally having
negative visual impact on the overall urban aesthetics.
The solution I propose is a transport system
addressed for the historical city, but for pedestrians and cyclists
only. This project will facilitate city traveling, and autonomous
boats will move at the request, that will eliminate waiting for
transport.
The system does not require a fixed-mount
infrastructure, so it remains mobile. May be occasionally used in
places with heavy traffic. The final result of the project is to
complement and diversify the urban communication.
The system is based on cyclical boat movement
between the edges. Characteristically is the way in which autonomous
boats will cross the river. The idea is to use the energy of the
river to partially drive the boats. This will help to reduce the
energy used for the crossing.
The size and quantity of units will be adapted
to the needs of the city's transport to best serve. The aesthetics of
the units should also be adapted to the city's architecture, but the
functional layout of the passenger deck will be basic.
Reducing travel and waiting time for transport
encourages walking or cycling. Another advantage is the use of nature
forces to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the object can be
a recognizable element of cities.
