College Exhibition: Strate College Degree Show 2007

Strate College hosted its annual Degree Show on June 21st, displaying the assorted works from students graduating from the Industrial Design programs.The celebrations began on the eve of the graduation ceremony at a chic venue in the heart of Paris's Champs Elysees, where montages of the students work played in a slideshow projected behind the bar. At the school the next day, all fifteen students from the Transportation Design program presented their work in an exhibit that spanned two rooms.

Frederic Corazza created 'Searth', a vehicle to connect the sprawling artificial islands currently being built around the city of Dubai. Taking inspiration not only from sports cars like Aston Martin but also from high speed luxury yachts, the two-seater car - which triples as a submarine and hydroplane - is a very expressive design but also a very functional one. The vehicle can be transformed to meet the needs of the users; whether on land, water, or submerged beneath the sea. The wheels at the rear enter into the cabin during the transformation from car to ekranoplan or submarine while the front wheels act as propellers.

'Mare Nostrum' is another dual-purpose, amphibious vehicle devised by Guillermo Mignot for individual travel between urban centers around the Mediterranean sea. The concept is a car that can also convert into a hydrofoil, enabling users to travel in a direct line to cities that could not be accessed as conveniently by simply using a train, plane, boat or car. The design incorporates two rotating hydrofoils above the front wheels: they rotate downwards when the car enters the sea or sit alongside the vehicle whilst it is moving on land. The device rotates upwards to provide access through the asymmetrical doors; one which is used on land and the other for use at sea. In his project, Mignot also proposes the use of floating docks that would allow refueling and rest stops during travel to foreign destinations.

Moving from the sea to the air, Laurent Negroni proposes a sailboat for the sky. The 'Cirrus' aircraft allows leisurely cruises through the sky, suspended by a large structure filled with helium in place of what would normally be the sail. The wings and propellers evoke a conventional aircraft, but the concept proposes a unique experience for 10 people wanting to travel freely within the sky for an extended period, stopping periodically when desired. The air-going vessel also includes an expansive deck at the rear for voyagers wanting to relax in the skies.

'X-Flow', created by Joffey Ringenwald, is the new face of aviation. Having done considerable research in aerodynamics to create the wide double wings and the fuselage form, the plane features a carbon structure with electric polymer inserts that bend the wings according to the pilot's input. Counter-rotating blades on the bio-ethanol powered engine are also quieter than conventional aircraft blades. Intended as a mode of personal transport - with seats for either three or four adults - the two versions of the cabin are intended to cater to business travelers and vacationers alike. Ringenwald has also simplified the layout of the cockpit, regrouping dials, instrumentation and mapping details into one single device he calls the 'Post Interface Cockpit'. This allows for an interior layout that is at once fluid and refined, yet intrinsically simplified.

Julien Chartier's 'O' is an exercise in sustainable development for transportation. Made from biomass and recyclable materials the car would eventually deteriorate and require the purchase of a new one, feeding the consumer society. The concept, designed as a small 4X4, features a 3-seat pod placed upon a chassis. When the passenger compartment has reached the end of its lifecycle it can be composted and replaced. The design incorporates strategically placed windows to minimize the transference of exterior heat as the car does without an air-conditioning unit (to reduce the usage of energy) and integrates vents to guide air through the cabin. There are also numerous storage compartments to stow various gear on board.

Taking inspiration from the growing population in Asia, Sandeep Bhambra created 'Jeevan', a proposal for an urban space which comprises of energy flowing from clusters of buildings to a combination of two projects: one for the public transport sector and the other a personal vehicle. Perceived for the year 2025, Bhambra proposes a train for public transportation - devised to run on vertical rails - that features two levels and a large glass DLO, enabling users to see the city they are traveling above. The personal vehicle could be linked to other similar vehicles to minimize congestion and maximize efficiency whilst traveling in crowded urban areas. Both are electric vehicles made from bio-polymer material with bio-structures that increase structural rigidity whilst minimizing weight.

Xavier Cloez's 'Overflood' is an emergency transport vehicle, specifically designed for evacuation of flooded areas. Featuring a variable ride height, the car is able to navigate over various terrain whilst carrying people and goods to and from affected areas. The concept is approximately the size of a Hummer, measuring 5,40m long, 2,10 tall and 2,40 wide and the interior can be configured to cater to emergency workers as well as those injured. Made from lightweight aluminum with a flat undercarriage incorporating the mechanicals within, the car is also able to float if necessary; navigating through waterways propelled by two turbines mounted at the rear.

Cyril Veynante created 'Real Heroes', a modern day fire-fighting vehicle, specifically to combat fires within overcrowded urban areas. Pushing the design of current fire trucks well forward, Veynante conducted research with firefighters to find out what could be improved in their vehicles. The result is a concept that comprises of two components, which can be combined or used autonomously depending on the situation they find themselves in. Sliding side doors, a lowered step for easier cabin and material access, a pneumatic suspension, and four-wheel steering for enhanced maneuverability are all components of the six-person vehicle.

Continues...

By Eric Gallina