Today, Vincent Callebaut’s project, Timber Mobilities, seems fantastical. However, it could become a reality tomorrow. Most of the bold ideas from this renowned Belgian architect, who works in Paris, have already been brought to life.
To avoid provoking skeptics, the project’s authors suggest viewing it as a research initiative. They have visualized the imminent future of transportation using 3D modeling and artificial intelligence tools, ultimately presenting five prototypes of individual and collective means of transport on land, water, and air.
These prototypes are united by ergonomic architecture, aesthetic design, a focus on renewable energy sources, and a blend of biomaterials (laminated wood, artificial bamboo) with recycled materials (aluminum, fiberglass).
According to eco-architect Vincent Callebaut, the mobility of the future will be more diverse, smarter, and environmentally friendly. Cities should once again be designed for people, not cars. Currently, the transportation sector accounts for the largest share of CO2 emissions worldwide—24 percent. Moreover, the average driver spends about 90 hours a year stuck in traffic. Callebaut is convinced that this situation must change.
The prototypes developed by his studio aim to bring us closer to an eco-friendly tomorrow.
Flying “Shuttle” Timber eVTOL
This ambitious design represents a type of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. It operates on electric or hydrogen energy.
Most vehicles of this type accommodate a small number of passengers and are typically used for private transport or as air taxis. The specialists at Vincent Callebaut Architectures have bypassed these limitations and designed a low-carbon transport vehicle with propellers that can serve between 10 to 20 passengers at once. This will significantly reduce their travel time and help alleviate the burden on ground transportation, especially during peak hours, as reported by Designboom.
Other potential uses for this prototype could include cargo transport and logistical trips through city streets.
Shuttles Timber eSHUTTLE
Continuing their exploration of eco-friendly public transport, the studio has developed the autonomous Timber eSHUTTLE. This computerized shuttle, equipped with sensors, is the result of hybridizing personal vehicles and public transport. It is comfortable, ergonomic, safe, and equipped with everything necessary to transport a dozen passengers.
According to the creative team, these shuttles, which will be driverless and steering-free, will be made from biomaterials (such as CLT wooden panels). They will operate on solar energy and batteries that charge on dynamic induction roads. By utilizing dynamic induction charging, Timber eSHUTTLE vehicles will receive energy directly from the road they travel on.
Wooden Car and Bicycle
The studio Vincent Callebaut Architectures has also introduced original compact vehicles for private journeys.
In their quest to eliminate heavy steel SUVs, the authors have designed wooden, maneuverable, and autonomous urban cars. These vehicles run on electric and solar energy and will primarily be made from wood or bamboo. Thus, the automated prototype Timber eCAR could become the most eco-friendly conceptual car of the future.
Additionally, Callebaut’s team showcased a prototype of a revolutionary bicycle, the Timber eBIKE, made from laminated wood and graphene. It boasts aerodynamic geometry, a simplified transmission, and wheels without axles, hubs, or spokes. This bike is sure to be a sensation, especially among those who ride their “two-wheeled steeds” to work every day.
Wooden Hydrofoil Vessel Timber HYDROFOIL
By creating this watercraft, which is more environmentally friendly than an electric bus, the team offers potential passengers calm and swift journeys on the waves—without jolts or bumps.
Self-sufficient vessels derive their necessary energy from solar panels, wind, and tidal turbines. Moreover, this type of transport consumes less energy while sailing due to optimized hydrodynamic hulls and wings. Vincent Callebaut’s futuristic boats will be made from biomaterials and/or recycled materials. And when the vessels reach the end of their lifespan, they can be completely disassembled and recycled.