share on BufferThe projects were developed over a 20 weeks period under the supervision of Programme Director Demian Horst, external tutor Miika Heikkinen (NorthernWorks) and External Exam Advisors Anders Gunnarson (Volvo Cars) and Hans Philip Zachau (Lighthaus Industrial Design).
At the final degree show there were a total of eight projects on display, with a ninth concept not unveiled, due to pending patent protection.
For more information about show or the Transportation Design course head over to uid.umu.se.
Jeep E-PIC Concept by Kefeng Liu
The Jeep E-PIC Concept is a self-powered all-terrain vehicle designed to carry two occupants and their expedition gear to Tibet.
The goal was to to be able to reach this goal while respecting the fragility ecosystem of those areas, and the research also investigated environmental conditions and emerging powertrain technologies.
Among the distinctive features are the original “maintenance-free” wheels and tires, rain drop collectors located on the hood, a solar panel system and a storage for extra batteries – all aimed at making the concept independent from non-natural energy sources .
The design incorporates both classic Jeep styling cues as well as some styling features of the current line-up of the brand.
Mercedes-Benz Symphony Concept by Dominique Quinger
The Symphony Concept represents a vision for Mercedes-Benz vehicle inspired by music.
The author intended to experiment with shapes and aesthetics in order to create a connection between Music and Automotive Design through the transition from an audible to a visual experience.
The goal of the exterior design is to guide the observer through a “journey of design perception.”
The vehicle is conceived similarly musical piece. As the designer explains, “The complexity of the front of the car visualizes the introductory beginning of a musical piece with various instruments, rhythmical patterns and melodies. The side is kept solid and sculptural as a song progresses it will be experienced as an exciting whole. The rear end represents the conclusive statement, with quotations from previous elements.”
Gemilang Concept by Irfendy Mohamad
The goal of the project was to create a compact SUV targeted to Southeast Asia consumers, and in particular capable of handling the harsh hot weather and high humidity throughout the year.
To do this, the concept is equipped with a special cooling system which influences the design of both exterior and interior of the vehicle.
As the designer explains, the vehicle design was mainly inspired by the architecture of traditional Minangkabau house and Malay bullock cart.
“[…] both symbolism which significantly located on the roof are look curvy to the sky and its related to the spiritual element in the heritage and ancient culture for this region.”
The vehicle, set to be built in South East Asia using local resources, also features semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
Audi Uno Concept by Gaurang Nagre
With the Audi Uno concept the author instigates new opportunities for the automotive industry offered by additive manufacturing technologies, related in particular to complex exterior shapes.
The semi-autonomous vehicle features a suspended cabin that enhances and exaggerates the feeling of sportiness.
The car is equipped with a flywheel positioned between the chassis and the cabin, that increases momentum and provides stability as well as a reserve of power.
The exterior surfacing is characterized by a band that “travels” along the car integrating the canopy and the body.
When in autonomous mode, the cabin moves around in the boundary of the exterior to enhance the g-forces by thrusting the cabin forward while accelerating, backward while braking and tilting while cornering.
Check back soon for Part 2.
(Image Courtesy: Umeå Institute of Design for Car Body Design)
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