Agora E is an autonomous public square on wheels

A  concept by Ponti Design Studio envisions an autonomous riding vehicle for Hong Kong that fosters in-person social interaction. 

Named after the ancient Greek word for “Public Square”, Agora E is an autonomous pod-like vehicle aiming to promote in-person socialization. Envisioned by Ponti Design Studio in Hong Kong, the concept draws from previous designs of the firm, such as Island, a futuristic double-decker tram. Just like Island, Agora E revolves around the idea of bringing together an autonomous form of transportation and the opportunity to socialize with fellow humans in a growingly technological society. 

Yet while Island incorporated elements of the 2020 zeitgeist, with a central aisle that would let people flow freely in the streetcar while maintaining adequate distance, Agora spurs from a more post-pandemic approach. The autonomous electric vehicle’s main feature is a continuous circular seat that invites people to sit inwards, looking at each other, and possibly fostering social interactions. The seat also leaves a central open space for wheelchairs, standing passengers, or luggage.

Agora E is as much a thought experiment about mobility as it is a reflection on the future of societies in densely populated megacities. As Ponti puts it, it’s a vision for “the future of public mobility in Hong Kong and the densely populated cities of Southern China. With in-person social interaction becoming more of a fleeting thought in the past few years, Agora E allows us to rediscover and appreciate the importance of human interaction in public spaces.”

Latest on Interiors

Latest on Domus

Read more
China Germany India Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Sri Lanka Korea icon-camera close icon-comments icon-down-sm icon-download icon-facebook icon-heart icon-heart icon-next-sm icon-next icon-pinterest icon-play icon-plus icon-prev-sm icon-prev Search icon-twitter icon-views icon-instagram