Hyperloop Station – Passenger Terminal: transport by capsules

The constant global transformations require more efficient transport and sustainable mobility infrastructures that make it possible to connect cities and create a global system of economic-socio-spatial development. In this sense, one of the means of transport that stands out in terms of innovation and technology is the Hyperloop. Pressurized capsules float on a magnetic layer inside depressurized tubes, with no resistance to friction from rails and air, reaching ultra-speeds. This concept is considered one of the futures of transport and it is being developed by several companies around the world. With speeds ranging from 600 to 1,200 km/h, it connects cities, reduces distances and creates production chains with better logistics, as well as a circular and shared economy. One of the main poles of socioeconomic development in Brazil is constituted as a connection between two metropolitan regions of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Porto Alegre and Caxias do Sul form a mobility corridor with high daily traffic of people and goods. Existing highways are mostly single lane and with many curves, which increases travel time between cities. In this sense, new and more efficient means of transport should be proposed linking the two largest hubs in the state. In this way, this project is based on information from the study developed by the State Government and proposes to develop an architectural proposal for the Central Station for passengers on this route. The city of Porto Alegre is chosen to carry out the Hyperloop Passenger Terminal project. The choice of location is justified by the local, regional impact and economic potential of the region of influence where the Hyperloop Station will be deployed. Propose a building to support the activities of the Hyperloop Station with conditions of an exceptional nature, enabling the theme to develop the form. The operational technological system of the behavior of the Hyperloop capsules is taken as a basis to conceptualize the party. The capsules are pressurized and float on a magnetic layer inside tubes. In addition, the capsule's geometry has been developed to increase aerodynamics, and without touching the rails, the capsules float in an air pocket. This floating is materialized causing the volume to land on the ground, a sculpture touching the square, but ready to leave. With strict lines, a roof is delimited in 200x200m, configuring a foyer square. From the roof, there is an approach to the ground, in an organic way, tangent to the support cylinder. Volumetry with futuristic language and lines thought of in aerodynamics. The Hyperloop Station project proposal for the city of Porto Alegre demonstrates the architecture's ability to include mobility issues between cities at the scale of a building. The objective of this project was to test how new approaches to themes and new technologies will be developed in the form of objects built in cities and how they will behave in terms of building character in relation to the already built urban space. Future perspectives are that more innovative transport technologies are studied to make cities more efficient with innovation and technologies, making architecture a means of making the world more connected and sustainable. These principles initiate the experience in using the new means of Transport, the Hyperloop.