Rethinking
theRigid

Picture a translucent plastic façade shimmering under airport lights, as hydraulic cylinders seamlessly extend and retract the gangway. The 3D printed aluminum frame provides a robust yet lightweight structure, while the collapsible floor ensures maximum space efficiency. This is the future of airport infrastructure – flexible, sustainable, and extraordinarily efficient.

What’s wrong with the traditional aerobridge?

While functional, the traditional aerobridge is a utilitarian appendage to the airport terminal, offering passengers a covered yet uninspiring passage into the aircraft. These structures are typically limited in versatility, designed to serve only a narrow range of aircraft with similar door heights, known as the ‘luffing height’.

The conventional aerobridge also only attaches to the front door of a plane and can’t navigate past the wing to access the rear doors. This often results in passengers enduring the inconvenience of walking on the tarmac and ascending steep metal stairs – an undignified start or end to any journey.

But what if…

What if the aerobridge were agile and flexible enough to accommodate a diverse array of aircraft? What if it could seamlessly extend over the wing to reach and provide equitable access the rear doors? And what if the journey through it were a visually and spatially enriching experience, transforming a mundane passage into an inspiring prelude or conclusion to air travel?

Enter the AeroSnake.

A revolutionary concept in airport infrastructure: a fully automated, 3D printed aerobridge designed to enhance efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability. The AeroSnake leverages advanced digital design techniques, including generative design and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, to create a highly optimised and innovative solution for contemporary airports.

Generative design in architecture

Generative design employs a rule-based geometric system, measurable goals, and an automated process to generate, evaluate and solve problems. This approach enables the exploration of a vast design space and is particularly effective in creating complex structures like the AeroSnake, where numerous variables and constraints must be considered.

Utilising CFD simulations, the AeroSnake’s structural loads are meticulously analysed, followed by the application of the BESO (Bidirectional Evolutionary Structural Optimisation) algorithm to optimise the topology of structural elements such as columns and braces. This process of iteratively removing inefficient material while adding back efficient material ensures maximum overall stiffness while considering multiple wind directions and gravity.

AeroSnake concept

The AeroSnake concept showcases several main features and components designed to maximise functionality and efficiency:

• 3D printed aluminium frame: Ensures a strong and fully optimised lightweight structure.
• ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) façade material: This lightweight and durable material is used for exterior cladding.
• Gangway articulation System and cover: Enables smooth expansion, contraction, rise, fall, and pivot movements.
• Hydraulic cylinders and telescopic lift: Provide the necessary force for flexible movement and adjustment.
• Collapsible/retractable floor: Enhances adaptability and space efficiency.

Operational dynamics

The AeroSnake’s operational dynamics are centred around four main components:

• Main car: Houses the power source, main hydraulic actuators, and gangway articulation system.
• Sub car: Equipped with its hydraulic system, featuring a collapsible/retractable floor, adding to the aerobridge’s versatility.
• Mobility: Innovative multi-directional movement carriage and spherical wheels.
• Auto-deploy: Automated On-Demand-Deployment and positioning technology.

What’s next?

The AeroSnake continues to evolve, with several universities expressing interest in collaborating with Architectus on its development. Our most profound insight came from Heather Kamara Shearer, our longtime collaborator and esteemed Aboriginal artist. When Karl presented the AeroSnake concept to her, she suggested we draw inspiration directly from nature. Heather advised us to study the skeleton of a snake, examining how it flexes with an array of same-size bones hinged from the top.

Inspired by Heather’s perspective, we are reimagining the AeroSnake’s design to incorporate these natural principles, enhancing its flexibility and structural integrity. We’re excited to pursue this intersection of art, nature, and technology.

Stay tuned as we continue to refine and develop the AeroSnake, pushing the boundaries of airport infrastructure and setting new standards for adaptability, efficiency, and aesthetic beauty. The journey towards transforming aviation infrastructure is ever-evolving, and we are excited to be part of it.