College Exhibition: Monash University Degree Show 2006

Graduating students from the Industrial Design department at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, presented their work in the annual degree show in December 2006. The show featured the work of Industrial Design students who have just completed a four year undergraduate degree.

Rogue
Andy Wong

The Rogue concept is a 1+2 seater specifically designed for China's one-child generation. The fundamental principle behind its conception is to establish the driver as the focal point.  China's youth, brought up in a home with no siblings, are used to their parents' constant care and attention. This concept emulates the same qualities found in the comfort of the home, only now the feeling extends itself to the open road.  The design came about through a rationale based on Chinese cultural thoughts, philosophies and ideas. From the outset, the design was conceived with much focus on the importance of the driver.

Verge
Simon Brook

Designed to appear as a two-door sports coupe, Verge has the ability to be transformed into a compact and modern sports utility vehicle through the ability of the rear panels to be totally removed. In this form the open plan interior allows for storage of large items such as recreational equipment and also for the practicality of a working utility vehicle. Removable thermoplastic protective guards illuminate and serve as functional lighting to enhance road presence and image. The forms of Verge have been derived from contemporary architecture, in particular NY based CAP, which uses strong notions of organics. As the vehicle is attracting a much younger and a more liberal buyer, it creates an opportunity for a bolder and a more progressive aesthetic statement. One of the challenges was to develop a hierarchy of reads from various aspects as an observer is meant to notice more as they approach the vehicle, the most dominant read being the pearl-white organic surface which envelops the vehicle, enhancing the sensation of protection.

Syn
Adrian Daditch

Syn is an aggressive and lightweight youth vehicle, the exterior consists of injection molded thermoplastic panels that conceal a metal safety and support cell. These recyclable exterior panels can be removed and replaced with different coloured, textured or self designed panels, allowing the user to customize the appearance of their Syn. The exterior surface of the vehicle can be modified to incorporate cultural or social trends - Syn in not only a means of transport but also a space for individual expression.

Borgossa
Nick Horan

The design of the Borgossa motorcycle encapsulates the beauty of mechanical elements and diverse sculptural forms. Designed around a hub-less wheel configuration the motorcycle's unique shape integrates the rider seamlessly into the design to unite both human and vehicle as one unified object. The streamlined riding position and practical design functions allow the user to customise the motorcycle to attain maximum performance from its powerful 1000cc engine. Inspired by cyborgs the design reflects the close relationship between man and machine, whilst challenging the current style of sports motorcycles.

Urban Trek
Michael Tang

Urban Trek is an all terrain sports utility vehicle, designed to aid in the activities of escaping into the great outdoors. It incorporates features like induction cook tops, food and water storage as well as a transforming rear cabin to create a versatile space used for equipment storage or perhaps sleeping in. Aesthetically inspired by tents and boots, it creates a sense of strength and endurance through its interlocking surfaces draped with a smooth flowing top coat exterior.

Mode
Tim Mercer

Drivers aged 65 years and over are the fastest-growing demographic on the roads today. It is anticipated that by the year 2030, one-quarter of all licensed drivers will be in this age group. 'Mode' is a vehicle for the elderly. It has been designed specifically to meet their unique needs and enhance their declining physical and cognitive abilities such as deteriorating eyesight, strength and reaction time. It is designed to make users better (and therefore safer) drivers by maximizing their potential behind the wheel. Innovations relevant to the target market center around increased road visibility, improved ingress/egress and easy loading and unloading of the vehicle.

Entry and egress in tight places like shopping center car parks is a breeze in the hydrogen fuel cell powered Mode. Oversized sliding doors wrap over and under the vehicle to maximise entry and exit space and then articulating seats receive occupants as they literally 'walk' into the car (no need for crouching). Natural light floods the cabin through skylights in the roof, indirectly enhancing reaction time by increasing the visibility of the elderly driver. An automated sliding tray system in the boot takes the strain out of loading and unloading the vehicle.

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