The Futures of Flight

Abstract

This thesis contends that imagination and visions of the future have been present throughout the history of human flight. Events of the past have continuously changed perceptions of possibility in flight and have subsequently expanded the limits of imagination. As these limits expand a number of potential futures arise. Once a futuristic fantasy, flight has become commonplace in modern society. Unfortunately, the formerly romantic experience of flying has become increasingly mundane as demand for commercial air travel grows. Struggling to keep up with an increasing number of passengers, spaces to support flight, namely airports, have focused on growth and efficiency, further diminishing the common experience of flight. The emergence of Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, however, represents one potential future with the opportunity to enhance the human relationship with flight. This thesis proposes a regional infrastructure system of ‘skyports’ to support VTOL within the state of Washington. One skyport design in particular is developed in the town of Snohomish, WA. The design seeks to foster a positive experience of flight, create a direct relationship to the sky, and use unique natural and built environments to imagine where the futures of flight can possibly go.