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Directly linking the car with the emotional medium of music is 'Taiko', a vehicle designed by Pierre Boyer. The concept creates sounds during the journey by using the movement of the road as well as the driver's imputs and carries it through the car's architecture, creating both a stimulating and relaxing environment. Having been inspired by the design of the violin and the front end of F1 cars, the design filters air through propellers at the front of the vehicle to an amplifier mounted in the rear of the car. With the driver as the conductor, sitting in a seat mounted in the center of the vehicle, the passengers ride horizontally in the rear above the amplifier and select the sounds they would like to hear emitted. Passengers are also able to gaze through an expansive glass panel in the rearward area and take in an expansive view of their surroundings, bringing the experience to a heightened sensory level.
'T'wopic' is a 4X4 vehicle specifically created to meet the needs of designer Etienne Chabin's native Guadeloupe. Taking into account the weather conditions of certain geographical areas - especially in the tropical regions - the project offers a vehicle adapted to the conditions of life and to the needs of these areas' inhabitants. The car seeks to maximize the region's economy by using locally produced goods to build the vehicle, while users are able to use the vehicle for a variety of different purposes, including running their businesses. The car also stores rainwater in compartments within the doors and features an innovative ventilation system that filters cold air into the cabin whilst removing hot air. A minimalistic car, the 'T'wopic' doesn't have any electronic gadgetry, but it does have a seating arrangement which can increase capacity from 5 to 7 people.
'Captiva', developed by Arthur N'guyen, proposes active communication between drivers by utilizing color-coded body panels; transforming the car into a highly visible screen on wheels. The car effectively displays messages to other drivers depending on the situation presented, with messages being illuminated on the car itself. Taking inspiration from the late Citroen designer Michel Arnot, N'guyen sought to create a symmetrical 'sculpture on wheels' on which to display information and actively promote safety.
Seeking to develop more of a personal relationship between user and automobile, Gary Sanchez's Gl@m project focused on the car as an extension of one's own individuality. Taking inspiration from NikeiD (which allows users to design their own shoes via Internet), the concept proposes the use of different materials to essentially 'clothe' the vehicle, with possibilities stretching only as far as the imagination. The display model, presented with only a small piece of suede fabric attached to the hood, accentuated this philosophy of complete personalization to provide the ultimate sensory experience while developing the emotional aspect of a vehicle. Essentially clothing for the modern day vehicle, users could enter the vehicle through a zipper or by untying a bow.
Charles Pasquier created 'Liquid-Blade', a vehicle with two modes of propulsion. Hub-mounted electric motors power the front wheels, while a gasoline engine powers the rear wheels. Power for the electric motors is sourced from batteries mounted vertically within the structure, giving the car a shark-like fin around the roof's mid-section. Influenced by 1950's American cars and hot rods, the project builds on GM-division Pontiac's brand heritage: creating sporty cars for the middle class.
With a breadth of different and innovative projects on show, Strate College is demonstrating its ambitions and fostering the creativity of its students. The diverse concepts proved very successful indeed, and we're looking forward to hear more about these graduates in the future.
Strate College website: www.stratecollege.fr
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Strate College Degree Show 2006
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