Hong-ik University Degree Show 2010

2010 saw the students of Korea's Hong-ik University showcase their interpretations of ‘Stimulating urban lifestyles'. The 12th annual degree show at the University centered on creating a ‘Whole new, different kind of urban vehicle.'

18 final year transportation design students took on the brief, with underlying themes such as crash safety, versatility and the ability to adapt the vehicle to suit varying driver needs appearing throughout the students' work.

Trigon
Jaewook Yoo
Yoo's thinking behind this Honda branded concept is the freeform surface. Stemming from societies needing to have different vehicles for different tasks, Trigon can adapt and change to suit different requirements. The inner frame and structure of the car can be manipulated and moved, while the flexible surface - which cloaks it - moves in relation to the structure. The triangular pieces that form the outer skin individually break and show how the multiple surfaces move. Trigon also allows the driver the ability to change the car's proportions to suit their individual tastes and environments.

NULL
Jeongche Yoon
'NULL' is an answer to the question ‘What happens when apps go automotive?' A mobile widget concept for next generation EVs, NULL allows its users to install various application modules on its back. Yoon believes that, so far, EVs have only been designed as solutions to save energy and space. Taking inspiration from the fledgling but rapidly expanding smartphone market, NULL injects high consumer appeal in a fashionable and affordable way into the EV market. The concept has a docking station at the back where physical apps (functional modules) can be attached so that users can customize their vehicle to suit their wants and needs.

Aileron - Active surface: high performance dynamic concept
Jiyun Seo
Seo's Aileron sports coupe is manufactured via a different process to the conventional press. Made of three layered modules, the individual layers are intended to break the boundary between the exterior and interior of the vehicle by interlocking through their surfaces. The concept aims to minimize both weight and material use, while maximizing fuel-efficiency, speed and the efficiency of the aerodynamics. The front structure takes inspiration from Origami, allowing for a stronger and more versatile section, free from the constraints of bending metal. The interior of the Aileron is connected to the exterior surfaces through the same applied Origami technique. The intersecting Origami and conventional sections allow the car to bend and change at the user's convenience. This entwining of styles allows for gaps to be created around the car that form the intakes and alter the airflow around it.

Collage - A vehicle to provide lifestyle items for a fashionable Parisienne
Hyejin Park
Park looked at the growing vintage trends found in the French capital and applied them to this Renault concept. Approaching the project with a different perspective, Park mentions that the main concepts for the car stem from "collages I created with various fashions and products. I got my main ideas from them and refined ideas to car design. The A-pillars and the headlamps can be used as a vintage standing lamp, while the seats can be used as a vintage big shoulder bag after the car's lifecycle ends."

W - It warms citizens' heart.
Yuwon Ahn
Yuwon Ahn's ‘W' is an interpretive look at attempting to relax in modern society. Ahn's thinking surrounds the notion that "People live in a cold-hearted society. I want to make a car which can comfort them." The concept surrounds the idea of the car being tactile and engaging the user in its design. The use of materials and varying textures throughout the car are designed to heighten and engage interaction between the car and owner. Ahn states that his car "is not a cold machine but one that has a softer touch, which can interact with human emotion. It warms the user's heart." The seating arrangements within the car have been sculpted to create an environment where people are free to communicate.

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By John O'Brien