London studio Zaha Hadid Architects has signed an agreement to develop a Hyperloop high-speed transport system across Italy.
The studio announced that it will be collaborating with Hyperloop Italia to design the "next phase of works" for a planned near-supersonic network in the country.
"We are looking forward to collaborating with Hyperloop Italia; marrying transformative architecture, engineering and urban planning with the most efficient and sustainable transport network to significantly improve accessibility, connectivity, and well-being in our cities," said Zaha Hadid Architects principal Patrik Schumacher.
"We share Hyperloops Italia's multidisciplinary approach which combines innovations in design and operational technologies with advances in ecologically sound materials and construction practices; enabling us to deliver future-resilient projects that are inventive, structurally efficient and environmentally sustainable." Hyperloop was first proposed in 2012 by SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk. The high-speed transportation system would consist of a series of low-pressure tubes that pods would be propelled through.
Feasibility study into first Italian hyperloop underway
The technology is now being developed by several companies including HyperloopTT, which has licenced its technology to Hyperloop Italia for use in Italy.
Hyperloop Italia is currently carrying out a feasibility study on a proposed route between Milan and the Malpens...