Signal 4: Hyperloop system — Closest rendition to tele-transportation
Context:
The Hyperloop system, an idea first mooted by Elon Musk in 2012, is a high-speed transportation system (for both passenger and/or freight) that could theoretically reach speeds of over 700 miles per hour. This will all be achieved under the promise of a safer and more ecological friendly manner. In some semblance of movie-mimicry, the idea is now one step closer to fruition with the unveiling of the prototype station released by UNStudio.
Complication and Resolution:
Whilst the possibility of this technology is exciting — think economic benefits, bringing the world closer by blurring the geographical barriers just to name a few, conflicting costs estimates at ten times of the original brief ($11.5 million vs $121 million per mile) is threatening to jeopardize this vision. Additionally, the project has been rifled with reports of internal management discord. This coincides with a recurring theme in class, where it has been established that great technology is only enabled under good governance.
Next Steps:
An important outcome of this technology should be accessibility to all, and the barriers from costs can be mitigated by targeting partnership with governments. It should also be done comprehensively with Master Planning exercises which will reduce the cost of acquiring brownfield land and plugged into the ecosystem comprehensively instead of sticking out like an afterthought.
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