Cities in 3D: How eVTOLs and Drones Are Changing the Shape of Master Planning

As cities grow upwards, outwards, and smarter, one thing is becoming clear: the future of urban life is no longer just about what happens on the ground.

At Gebler Tooth, we’ve been asking a big question:

What if the next major leap in urban planning doesn’t take place on the streets… but in the skies?

The rise of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs) and drones is challenging the way we’ve always designed cities. These technologies aren’t just about flashy air taxis or futuristic deliveries — they represent a fundamental shift in how we use space, both horizontally and vertically.

In our latest white paper, we dive deep into how architects, planners, developers, and policymakers can prepare for — and shape — this shift.

🔍 Some of the provocations we explore:

• What role will rooftops play in tomorrow’s transport network?

• Can vertiports become multifunctional urban hubs, blending mobility with commerce and community?

• How do we plan infrastructure that serves both people and packages, seamlessly integrating drones and eVTOLs into everyday life?

• What does it mean to design a resilient city that can grow up rather than out?

Spoiler: it’s not just about flying cars. It’s about future-proofing the built environment and making smarter, more sustainable use of the space we already have.

🏙️ Reimagining the Built Environment

From brownfield car parks to high-rise rooftops, every square metre is an opportunity. Our white paper explores how existing structures can be re-purposed to support vertical mobility, how city centres might evolve to prioritise people over cars, and how planning regulations will need to flex to keep up.

🧠 Want to Know More?

The integration of drones and eVTOLs isn’t a far-off vision — it’s already in motion. But how we plan for it now will define how seamlessly it’s adopted in the years to come.

📄 Download our white paper:

"eVTOL and Drone Services for Master Planning"