Based upon a conceptual-statistical urban analysis regarding the critical situation found in modern cities/mega cities (saturation, pollution, degradation and lack of interrelation), a Diagnosis was achieved posing the 'bi-dimensional use' of present urban settlements. As a response, the concept of an urban restructure, became our hypothesis. Our research Project proposes a change towards a new paradigm, the 'Tetra-re-dimensioning (4D) of Urban Space'. Thus, we pose the re-conformation of cities under the concept of a time-space integrated vision. To achieve this, we designed a tool: S.A.T. Project (US 6.431.078 B2), it is an electric private/public transportation system for people and/or freight. The system has the special feature of working under different directions of movement; horizontal, vertical and on a gradient. S.A.T.'s main characteristic resides in connecting different spaces that are to be found, not under a same geometrical plane (2D) but under different direction axis (x, y, z), belonging to different planes-of-use, shaping a 'volumetric virtual grid' of organizations, uses and transportation. Upon its implementation in cities, consequences such as: the re-definition of architectural-morphology/typology breaking-up the present 'vertical-function' dependency; an increase in security standards in case of natural or manmade catastrophes, promote a wider range of options regarding access/evacuations means, the transformation of urban-life and the structure of possible future-cities will occur. S.A.T. Project is an innovation that will act in a catalytic way, towards the overall improvement in life-quality standards in present urban areas, drawing a trend towards 'sustainability'.
Abstract