futuristic superyacht by feadship uses AR to generate fully virtual command center

a giant superyacht with a controversial pilothouse design

at the monaco yacht show 2021, feadship unveiled ‘pure’, an 81.75-meter superyacht concept with a virtual pilothouse. conceived by studio de voogt, the design generates a giant vessel with a futuristic exterior, open on-board architecture, and a three-deck atrium. still, its most surprising and controversial characteristic is its concealed command center where everything is simulated with the use of augmented reality (AR). 

all images courtesy of feadship 

completely virtual command center 

the ‘pure’ concept by feadship (find more here) is controlled from a hidden lower-deck command center that relies solely on advanced electronics. the information required to drive ‘pure’ will come from radar, AIS, maps, depth sounders, and cameras strategically placed around the boat. this data is all combined, then presented using smart AR visualization.

and although this all-virtual pilothouse may raise eyebrows, it’s already being implemented in submarine set-ups. ‘we recognize that the command center is a controversial proposal that may lead to resistance, but such solutions are already common on subs and naval vessels,’ says bram jongepier, senior specialist at studio de voogt. ‘superyachts revolve around their owners and many prefer to have a forward-facing stateroom with panoramic views in the place where a wheelhouse normally is. placing the bridge higher up impacts the profile. the command center is a viable solution and at feadship we see this as a big topic for discussion within the industry,’ he adds.

‘pure’ exterior design

the ‘pure’ concept showcases a minimalist, yet strongly sculptural profile with a remarkably strong character. the lines are clean in order to generate an air of calm. they merge seamlessly with the volumes – which make the yacht recognizable from afar – and some finessed twisted surfaces. a set of underwater anchors avoid the need for pockets in the side, while the exterior is completed with a series of flush-tinted windows.

the exterior detailing generates an optical illusion and a loss of one’s sense of scale. upon approaching the yacht’s stripped-back exterior, guests will be uncertain of its size, further enhancing their awe when they discover the space that lies within. 

an elliptical glass atrium brings the light in 

located half inside, half out, an elliptical atrium connects all lines of sight across three decks. its glass facade facilitates both visual and social connection, while it also allows ample natural to illuminate the yacht. as a result, the brightly lit environment makes guests feel as if the whole boat is open. at the same time, individuals can always find privacy in retreats like the balconies which close off with glass doors.

‘we set out to create a perfectly balanced interior with incredible spaces for everyone,’ mentions designer jan schaffers ‘we developed this design with a mix of joy and tenacity, determined to adjust every angle until it works to perfection. this is an environment which is equally suitable for hosting amazing parties or displaying exciting art collections. pure is a place for all seasons and all people.’

future-compatible propulsion system

one additional key feature of ‘pure’ is its energy hybrid propulsion system which is devised to cover likely fuel requirements over the next decade or so. the tank deck compartments are ready to be adapted with options based on the expected transitions. from diesel-electric in 2024, to all-methanol fuel cells in 2030, the superyacht concept is capable of responding to future technology.

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project info:

name: pure
designer: studio de voogt
company: feadship