Paris, France

French designer Jean-Marie Massaud joins with the French National Aerospace Research Centre (ONERA) to deliver a new vision of the future for the design of Manned Cloud—a conceptual airship hotel that would sustainably reduce the cultural, environmental, and economic impact of tourism infrastructure.

Massaud worked with the visionary technological organization ONERA (Office National d’Etudes et Recherches Aérospatiales) on this fascinating, innovative project since 2008. 

Manned Cloud’s concept skilfully balances pleasure with eco-responsibility as alternative ways for travel and leisure.

“Manned Cloud is a harmonious combination of the usual components of travel, from transportation to accommodation and discovery, all assembled in one single concept—a flying hotel,” states Massaud. 

“By freeing from gravity and infrastructures, it would give access to sites without traces and intrusion.” 

Right from architecture to objects, from macro environments down to micro contexts—Massaud has been brilliantly working on an extensive range of projects, with his ability to seamlessly blend elegance with comfort. 

Washing away the image of the Zeppelin, Manned Cloud is a futuristic proposal where the time of discovery and the time of displacement are effortlessly synchronized.

Its eclectic, one-of-a-kind design merges the natural intelligence of the whale’s shape with a ‘0 energy’ propulsion.

The airship offers a three-day tour to its commuters while residing in any of its 60 rooms. 

It can lodge 40 guests and can fly within a range of 5,000 km. 

Two deck cabins will contain facilities, such as restaurant, library, fitness suite, and spa.

It can maintain a cruising speed of 130 km/h and a top speed of 170 km/h. 

“A white whale for relevant aero-dynamism […] lightness, serenity, and symbiosis,” adds Massaud.

Project: Manned Cloud
Designers: Studio Massaud
Lead Designer: Jean-Marie Massaud
Partner: Office National d’Etudes et Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA)