IndividuALL - Single And Social Drive
Jan Schmitt

This concept visually separates the driver from three passengers by color and shape, through an overall harmonious design. The driver-oriented seat layout is colored black (an active sporty color) which dominates the left front part of the cabin. The passenger area is a passive white color providing contrast within cabin. Each part integrates into the other, which leads to an asymmetrical and organic inspired design, featuring a diagonal roof bar as the dominant graphical design feature. Asymmetry provides the opportunity to create a sportier and compact look for the driver's side and a loungy monovolume character for the right side, entered solely by the passengers. The front seat backrest can be turned around so that the person next to the driver can be a visual communicative link between the driver and the other passengers. If not needed the seat can be folded flat into the floor for better visibility or improved luggage space.

INside the Next Level
Daniel de Jong

This 2+2 interior concept - conceived for a standard size saloon car - features both manual and autonomous driving capabilities. Based around two main seating positions, this concept explores the possibilities that could evolve from having a drive by wire vehicle with a very different architecture. In manual mode it functions like a ‘traditional' car with a typical seating position. In autonomous mode, users become passengers in their own vehicle, able to sit anywhere they please. Besides the possibility for driver and passenger to face each other, there are also two extra seats that are formed to enable a seating position below the shoulder line. The interior surfaces feature organic form language and minimalistic sculptural lines that almost appear to float.

First and second semester MA students presented the results of the project 'A car for the 2020 Geneva Motor Show' supported by Auto motor und Sport magazine. The progress of the project was documented on the Auto Motor und Sport website, with site visitors able to follow the design process and comment on the project blog.

The 7th and 4th semester students presented the results of an interior project supported by Audi AG, 'Audi-Woman' - A car for the female market.

Seventh semester student Sebastian Steitz presented the RCY (Race the City), a concept which combines the advantages of a car and a motorbike. The car mode is designed for long distance trips with passenger/ luggage transport and the motorbike mode offers the fun and the speed in urban surroundings. With the RCY Audi could offer a maximum of flexibility and technology within two to three decades.

Fourth Semester student Edwin Mailänder presented a vehicle concept that features removable wheel units that can act as individual mono-wheel vehicles. In the future there will be more areas in the cities in which cars are prohibited, so with this concept you can leave your car in docking stations outside the centers, and continue your journey with the mono-wheel.

Third semester BA Transportation Design students worked together with Volkswagen's Future Research and Trends department on a project titled 'City Marathon'. The aim of the project was to develop a transport concept for a future mega-city. Based on a selection of example cities, the students developed scenarios that were used as a basis for the project work in the second part of the semester.

Pforzheim University offers BA and MA courses in Transportation Design. Instructed by Professor James Kelly, Professor Lutz Fuegener, eleven specialist lecturers and four staff members, BA students develop their design projects in 2D and 3D over seven terms. The standard period of study for the Master of Arts in Transportation Design course covers three terms, with the third semester allocated to the final degree project. Both courses enjoy a close working relationship with the industry, with projects regularly supported by manufacturer design studios during the final semesters.


Related Articles:
Pforzheim Summer Degree Show 2007
Pforzheim Spring Degree Show 2007

Pforzheim University websites:
www.fh-pforzheim.de
intl.fh-pforzheim.de