Royal College of Art Degree Show 2012 – Part 2

(continues from Part 1)

Here is the second group of projects. Also visit the complete image gallery with 80 images. Check back tomorrow for the last part.

Tripod – Nomadic Housing Vehicle by Paul Nichols

Aiming to solve the problem of temporary housing being built and torn down as the emerging BRIC nations build up their urban environments, Nichols devised a vehicle that doubles as a temporary housing structure for migrant workers.

The vehicle features extruded sections of triangular ‘bricks’ along its body panels, which can be used and expanded in a modular way so the structure can fit on a variety of plots. The construction companies would subsidize the innovative solution so their workers can use and move them to other sites.

Range Rover Contrast by Inna Schadikin

Russian-born Schadikin created this self-explanatory Range Rover concept, which blends natural elements with technical, modern with traditional. “Russia is a country full of contrasts,” Schadikin notes, “and this is what my theme is about.”

She therefore combined two different form languages and materials to illustrate this. A wooden ‘skin’ represents traditional Russia and a static form language, which contrasts with the more futuristic, pure and graphical form language inspired by the Russian space industry.

Lexus LF-Zero by Jan P Rosenthal

The Lexus LF-Zero – one of two concepts on show to be created from folding techniques – was born from Rosenthal’s desire to find a new design approach.

Developed in a zero-sketch design process, the body is made from single rectangular aluminum and wood sheets using a waste-free alternative production system developed by London-based company RoboFold.

Reflecting the production process in the design, both the wood and aluminum add new elements to the L-Finesse design language. The raw surface edges and Origami-like geometries are in contrast to conventional free form cars currently available.

Inner City Vehicle by Seongjun ‘Sean’ Ko

This project proposes a future inner city vehicle that is not only environmentally acceptable, but also capable of shaping a deeper emotional relationship between the people and the environment.

The four passenger vehicle acts as a ‘mobile pavilion’, where people can interact with the urban environment; an ‘urban cocoon’ where people can relax and enjoy the comfortable ride; and a ‘classic yet modern’ shape, which can be a part of the urban landscape.

Autonomously powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, the interior space – inspired by sliced sculptures – is flexible and variable.

Echoes of Time by Janina Oberdorfer

Echoes of Time is an emotional and multidimensional visual and sensory experience developed using augmented reality. Inspired by a prism, which refracts and divides ‘white light’ into its DNA colors – red, green and blue – the design acts like a “visual perfume,” Oberdorfer says.

Using projection, the surroundings enter the exterior shape of the concept and are displayed along the faceted prism panels at the side of the vehicle.

The pattern and color movement enables the vehicle to react like a momentary sculpture, projecting the user’s moods along the exterior of the vehicle.

Frame+Twist by Jeehoon Shin

Frame+Twist explores a new type of vehicle/zone/experience where the driver can see and feel the world from a creative angle. The vehicle functions as a frame that enables the driver to twist the virtual world with augmented reality, changing the scenery around him.

The interior features multiple driving positions to allow the driver choose between driving positions to literally change driving perspectives to maximize the ‘perception change’ experience. Multi-driving seats allow the driver to enjoy the virtual experience either alone or together with friends.

Cubie by Haitao Qi

Haitao Qi’s Cubie in-city carpooling system aims to combat the increasing problem of traffic congestion in urban areas. This more efficient method of transport also features an interior with more in-car activities to make the best use of time.

The Cubie is effectively a slow moving public or private space, which can be used in an assortment of different ways.

(check back tomorrow for Part 3)