automobile – DesignApplause

lexus and formafantasma – an encounter with anticipation. milan design week 2016

Apr 11, 2016

two italian designers andrea trimarchi (1983) and simone farresin (1980) are amsterdam based studio formafantasma. their coherent body of work is characterized by experimental materials investigations and the exploration of such issues as the relationship between tradition and local culture, critical approaches to sustainability and the significance of objects as cultural conduits.

in perceiving their role as a bridge between craft, industry, object and user, they are interested in forging links between their research-based practice and a wider design industry.

lexus asked formafantasma to create an exhibit themed anticipation for the 2016 salone del mobile. the designers interpreted this theme through the identification of elements within the company’s production that will be fundamental for the future. this includes the quest to develop and further evolve ecological technology for application in mobility, and the fusion of machine, craftsmanship and tradition.

drawing inspiration from the new lexus lf-fc flagship concept, they designed three site-specific installations that respond to the architecture of the location, a former metal factory.

in the first and largest space, they apply advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology similar to that of the lf-fc to power a kinetic light installation. they designed four pieces in stainless steel — ranging in height from 2 to 6 meters — that move slowly, creating a subtle choreography. the sculptural objects are mounted on a highly reflective pink platform. tanks located under the platform supply the hydrogen used by the “hydrogen fuel cell stacks” to produce electricity to lit our kinetic lights.

in the tradition of lexus supporting talents in different creative fields, the room also hosts a food tasting by the recently michelin-starred, japanese-born, milan-based chef yoji tokuyoshi. we collaborated with chef tokuyoshi, advising him to work on the theme of water, since it is one of the hydrogen-richest elements in nature and the only byproduct emitted by a hydrogen fuel cell technology.

the second space, which hosts the annual lexus design award (a competition for emerging talents in the design field), features a series of metal stools, whose simple form highlights their finish. we used the same paint process applied to the lf-fc. it involves a sophisticated method of layering colors by hand and machine that is based on traditional japanese lacquering techniques. the result is a subtle, yet complex tone that appears either dark grey or blue depending on how light touches it.

after visiting lexus in japan and learning more about the company, the designers based the design of the installation for the third space on lexus’ legacy, which can be traced back to japan’s early mechanized textile industry. as an homage to these beginnings, a loom-like machine pulls and releases thousands of threads that, when stretched, recreate a three-dimensional outline of the lf-fc.

in terms of materials, the installations mix contemporary finishes, such as car paint, cast resin and stainless steel, with more traditional materials such as cotton fabric and pine wood. the industrial interiors of the space are softly illuminated using several light boxes referencing traditional japanese architecture.

since its debut in 1989, lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering products that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury.

where> spazio lexus torneria / via tortona 32

photo credits> lexus

2016 german design award select winners.

Nov 23, 2015

above> german design award installation at ambiente 2015 | click on image to engage lightbox | 18 images

the 2016 winners of the german design award have been made public. the gda is this one of the best award programs around. a very wide breadth of product submissions for cars, motorcycles, med & industrial equipment, architecture, it seems like everything. they’re also one of the best at showcasing winners in a huge installation at ambiente, a heavy investment in print and well represented online. this represents a heavy monetary investment in design. the above slideshow is a glimpse at 2015 during ambiente 2015. the german design award is hosted by the german design council who celebrates its 60th year in 2015

below are a sampling of 2016 winners.

above> lichtgrenze

category> event / light installation for 25 years fall of the wall celebrations in berlin 2014
client> kulturprojekte berlin gmbh für die stadt berlin
design> whitevoid / christopher bauder

award> gold 2016
jury statement> michel casertano | dr. angelika nollert | prof. hartmut a. raiser

from the 7th to the 9th of november 2014, berlin remembered the 25th anniversary of the fall of the berlin wall and the reunification of the city. in line with the festivities, there was a fascinating light installation that marked the former path of the wall with illuminated balloons along a 15.3 km stretch. on the final evening of the installation 8,000 balloon caretakers released the balloons into berlin’s night sky, each carrying a personal message. a moving project with enormous symbolic and charismatic power that made an impact far beyond the borders of germany. the project was realised through private financing – not by the city, which meant that there was a comparatively small budget. this is an impressive demonstration of the fact that one can create something extraordinarily effective even with limited means.

above> tentsile tree tent: stingray.

category> sports, outdoor activities and leisure
producer> tentsile
design> tentsile / alex shirley-smith

award> gold 2016
jury statement> prof. stefan diez | nicolette naumann | silvia olp

the tentsile stingray is a new kind of tent that is hung between three trees, poles or branches and floats in the air, extending the radius of experience from two to three dimensions. the occupants (up to three people) are not only protected from the weather, but from wild animals and insects as well. the form changes according to the tent’s tension, making it seem almost like a living creature. this fascinating tree tent is an innovative outdoor tool that totally reinterprets the leisure tent system. at once functional and poetic.

above> aerfast 20th anni by storck.

category> transportation / racing bike
producer> storck bicycle
design> storck bicycle / mario kuban

award> gold 2016
jury statement > johannes barckmann | prof. andrea lipp | jürgen lewandowski

for its 20-year anniversary, the legendary bicycle manufacturer is releasing selected models as a limited edition set. the models have special anniversary paintwork and high-quality components. the set also includes a platinum handlebar and a seat with special supports. the frame is adorned tastefully with the master’s signature. a polo shirt with the brand name and a certificate signed by markus storck himself round off this exclusive set. the combination of technical perfection and dynamic styling reflects storck’s authentic passion for designing bikes: absolutely functional, absolutely carbonic! absolutely perfect.

above> timber structure sports center

category> architecture
client> kogakuin university
design> ft architects / hiroko tominaga

award> gold 2016
jury statement> mårten claesson | dr. michael peters | stefan von terzi

this pair of extraordinary buildings on the campus of the kogakuin university in tokyo houses a japanese archery facility and a boxing club. the two wooden structures made of native, local woods each cover a space of around 7.2 m x 10.8 m. this is about the size of a traditional japanese temple, and these spaces are similarly open and minimal, which has a positive effect on the athletes’ concentration. the special quality, however, is the support-free roof construction, which was planned and realised based on traditional japanese wooden structures. a fascinating statement that contributes to keeping this architectural style alive in the cultural memory. the way these buildings have transformed functionality into aesthetics can only be described as sensational.

above> bentley – exp 10 speed 6

category> transportation / concept car
producer> bentley motors
design> bentley motors

award> gold 2016
jury statement> johannes barckmann | prof. andrea lipp | jürgen lewandowski

the designers of the exp 10 speed 6 achieved a fantastic reinterpretation of the british legend and a self-aware statement of luxury and extravagance on the highest level. this is particularly apparent when looking at the interior. the door panels are not covered with leather matching the material used for steering wheel and seats like usual, but instead are covered with high-quality wood. the possibilities in high-quality processing and craftsmanship are demonstrated here. the exterior inspires with a progressive/elegant design vocabulary that transports the classic car into the future. muscular, athletically shaped surfaces that are inspired by aerodynamic shapes such as aircraft fuselages and aerofoils convey dynamism, power and speed. an extraordinarily beautiful automobile that perfectly combines aesthetics and precision – and is unmistakably a bentley. it couldn’t be done better!

above> takata maxi

category> baby and child care / children`s car seat
producer> takata
design> takata / reiner nett

award> gold 2016
jury statement> prof. stefan diez | nicolette naumann | silvia olp

in this excellently designed children’s car seat, children stay both safe and comfortable, even on long trips. this is ensured by the stabile casing and the exceedingly soft padding on the seat itself and the arm supports. the microfiber fabrics are toxin-free and can be cleaned easily. the seatbelt guide has an auto-lock feature, guaranteeing that the belt stays in position, while the airpad safety technology protects the head. parents may enjoy the practical one-handed operation for size adjustment and belt fastening. a well-designed product, considered down to the last detail and visually appealing.

above> karuun® | kc collection

category> material and surfaces / innovative material based on natural rattan
producer> out for space
design> out for space / peter kraft, julian reuter, moritz fuhrmann, miriam bröckel

award> gold 2016
jury statement> nicole huffer | ruwen kaminski | jun.-prof. dr.-ing. jens krzywinski

karuun® is a highly innovative material that provides transformative new dimensions for the design possibilities of rattan. the composition of natural rattan can be understood as a bundle of small tubes, which makes it absolutely unique. the company out for space uses this special quality to inject natural filler material into the material. the result – karuun® – offers increased rigidity, fantastic bending properties, weather-resistance and a wide range of coloration possibilities. the kc collection gives a foretaste of what is possible with karuun®. and it is already an extremely impressive collection. all in all, a promising material that is also very sustainable. exciting.

above> smartintego

category> building and elements / digital lock cylinder
producer> simonsvoss technologies
design> ergon3 design / peter trautwein

award> gold 2016
jury statement> ruwen kaminski | jun.-prof. dr.-ing. jens krzywinski

with this new product line, simonsvoss offers the perfect solution for integrated access control systems. smart intego can be immediately connected to existing complex access control systems — and the smart intego manager makes it easier than ever by auto-configuring the system components and saving a significant amount of time and effort in comparison to other systems. the digital lock cylinder offers various additional functions such as audit trail, time zone management, event management and door monitoring.

above> illa kogelhof by paul de ruiter architects

category> architecture / residential
client> private client
design> paul de ruiter architects / paul de ruiter

award> winner 2016
jury statement> mårten claesson | dr. michael peters | stefan von terzi

villa kogelhof is designed to be completely energy self-sufficient and is located on a swath of land declared a conservation area by the government. the minimalist building, designed with straight lines, rests on v-shaped pillars to take away as little as possible from the protected habitant for plants and animals. the interior of the house is no less minimalist due to surrounding glass panels that enhance the home’s sense of openness and connection to nature. a great design that perfectly plays up interior and exterior, while redefining the standard for natural living.

above> notabag

category> lifestyle and fashion / combination of a bag and a backpack
producer> notabag
design> notabag / adnan alicusic, ilaria gregianin

award> winner 2016
jury statement> prof. stefan diez | nicolette naumann | silvia olp

notabag is a cleverly-designed combination of carrier and rucksack that can be carried on your arm or back, as desired. a simple motion is all it takes to change the rucksack into a bag or vice-versa. an internal back serves to store your wallet and keys. that means that everything is easy to find without having to rummage around for it. notabag transforms and closes all on its own, meaning that it doesn’t need any additional buttons or closures. if the bag isn’t needed it can fold down to almost nothing. a practical, amazingly designed product for daily use.

above> form

category> furniture / chair and table collection
producer> normann copenhagen
design> normann copenhagen / simon legald

award> special 2016
jury statement> prof. oliver grabes | sebastian herkner

form is a modern cup chair made using plastic mould casting, which is available with and without armrests and also as a bar stool in two different heights. the back and seat are ergonomically shaped and promise comfort and relaxation. form is an example of a flexible design that in principle fits on all frames – even those yet to be developed in the future. the series has now been expanded with a dining table in two sizes – the perfect accompaniment to the chairs.

[ 2016 winners ]

dull side of driverless cars double edged sword.

Nov 7, 2015

The advent of driverless cars will have a profound impact on the way our society is organized. That will create pressure for urban sprawl. If it becomes feasible to live far from the city center, people will flock to the exurbs. They will build bigger houses and want to cut down more forests, putting pressure on our natural resources and requiring government curbs in order to avoid excessive destruction of natural habitats. That is sure to become a contentious political issue. via chicago tribune

volvo first foray into electric cars with the xc90 moose.

Oct 29, 2015

above> the hybrid xc90 aka moose

Volvo is the latest car maker to commit to more environmentally friendly vehicles, with an all-electric car planned for 2019. As part of this new plan, Volvo expects electrified vehicles to account for up to 10% of its global car sales in the medium term.

There will be plug-in hybrid versions of its 90 series and 60 series larger cars, based on the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture. Going forward, Volvo will offer only four-cylinder engines, or less, or none. That, in the scope of coming global-emissions regulations, is a reasonable starting point.

The automaker has already started with the T8 twin engine all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid XC90 SUV model. The 7-seater luxury truck does 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds; 5,000-pound tow rating; and an urban-metro all-electric range (14 miles, give or take) of speeds up to 70 mph for this 2.5-ton SUV. .

The XC90 T8, is scheduled to arrive in dealerships by Christmas. $68,100

toyota unveils fcv plus hydrogen concept.

Oct 9, 2015

Toyota envisages a sustainable society in which hydrogen energy is in widespread use. The reasoning, compressed hydrogen has a higher energy density than electricity and can be generated from a wide range of raw materials. It’s also easy to store. Toyota’s also envisages more than transportation for the car by turning fuel cell vehicles from eco-cars into energy-cars.

[ electricity generation and sharing ]
The car can also generate electricity directly from hydrogen stored outside the vehicle, transforming into a stable source of electric power for use at home or away. When the car is not being used as a means of transport, it shares its power generation capabilities with communities as part of the local infrastructure.

[ supporting future generations ]
The fuel cell stack can be repurposed as an electricity generating device contributing significantly to local communities.

The fuel cell stack is mounted between the front tires, and the hydrogen tank behind the rear seat. Together with the adoption of independent in-wheel motors in all four wheels, this allows for a spacious cabin despite the vehicle’s compact vehicle body. By concentrating functional parts at the front and the rear of the vehicle, and creates a wide field of vision.

vw backs off on diesels in u.s. for 2016.

Oct 8, 2015

vw backs off on diesels in u.s. for 2016. withdraws application to sell diesel-powered vehicles in the u.s. via usa today [RK]

vw blames engineers.

Oct 8, 2015

it seems this was the work of a couple of rogue engineers. ‘i agree, it’s very hard to believe, ‘volkswagen of america ceo michael horn conceded to congressional hearing. ‘it’s a sign of arrogance. it’s a sign of not admitting yet the severity of your problem,’ representative r-ny, chris collins, an engineer said. via nbc news [RK] above> volkswagen of america ceo, michael horn

how engineers at west virginia university caught vw cheating.

Sep 22, 2015

how engineers at west virginia university caught vw cheating. the information was out there for more than a year but the auto press missed its significance. via spectrum.ieee.org [RK]

apple targets electric-car 2019 shipping date.

Sep 22, 2015

apple targets electric-car 2019 shipping date. apple has recently hired a number of engineers with backgrounds in automotive and battery design. via wsj [RK]

derek jenkins leaves mazda for unknown new venture?

Jul 25, 2015

derek jenksins, mazda’s north american design director, splits for an unknown new venture – his linkedIn profile mentions a ‘stealth project’. an art center college of design grad and a malibu resident, his artistic bent obvious in the cars he influenced.