Hongik University Degree Show 2008

Hongik University held its tenth annual Degree Show late last year at the university's Modern Gallery in Seoul, Korea. With a focus on creating the next generation of sedans for the graduating students' favorite brands, luxury sedans were developed using various design procedures. The students produced sketches, a 1/10 half-mirror clay model, a 3D model with scanned modeling data in Alias, and created the proposals using a CNC machine. With the efficiency of a digital design process, students were able to save time in the development process and dedicate time towards improving their designs. Most of the works were 1/5 exterior or interior scale models, while a few students illustrated their designs as short movie clips. In all, 27 students presented their projects in the graduation exhibition.

Audi Jubatus
Bo Ram Ryu
The Audi Jubatus concept features a coupe-style, streamlined body and front tension defined by the muscular characteristics of a cheetah. Just as the detail of a muscle becomes amplified and its definition maintained for longer periods of time when subjected to exercise, the sports sedan also depicts this power and flexibility in the sideline and front body section, which was inspired by the movement of the animal's muscle as it runs after its prey.

Aston Martin Oasys
Dong Min Park & Young Hyuk Choi
The four-seat Oasys concept is based on three iconic themes: Power, Beauty, and Soul. Taking inspiration from a wine glass, the vehicle's character lines flow from the base of the hood up to the windscreen and follow the contours of the overall shape of the DLO. Beneath the hood are lights that glow dimly from the divided section at the center. The three themes are also transferred to the interior where the IP houses the functions at the center, calling to mind the structure of a concert hall.

Vision Mercedes
Dongil Kim
This passenger sedan concept pays tribute to the Simplex 1702 - the first Mercedes-Benz touring car built in 1903. The classic proportions have been redefined with contemporary curves that create rich volumes. Notable features include the non-traditional DLO shape with intersecting points aft of the B-pillar, a simple side character line that rises as it extends to the back, a long rear overhang and a 'capsule-shaped' design that protects the rear passenger area.

New Generation Saab 96
Hoi Sung Jung
Inspired by the classic shape of the renowned Saab 96, this premium luxury car concept was designed to move the brand's aesthetic forward yet remain faithful to its design heritage. The streamlined shape incorporates a wraparound front windscreen (a nod to Saab's aviation heritage), a concave body side section that accentuates the covered rear wheel, and gull-wing doors. At the rear, a wraparound LED lamp runs the width of the car while a new lower surface reveals itself under a hovering main outer surface, which extends to the side like an apron.

AC Cobra
Song Hyun
This modern interpretation of the ‘60s AC Cobra muscle car features a long hood and dynamic volumes. A strong side character line extends from the bottom part of the fender over the hood and links to the rear wheel, while the contrasting upper volume has been inspired by the shape of fabrics stretched over a base form. The flowing design is meant to conjure imagery of the cobra snake catching its prey.

Mazda Solar 7
Hyung Joon Kim
The 2050 Mazda Solar 7 concept proposes an aesthetic that develops the proportions of a traditional sedan with a Japanese-like aesthetic inspired by Mazda's design cues and a samurai's hairstyle. For energy efficiency, the windshield mimics the aerodynamic form of a squid's body and the seat position is set in a diamond pattern. The car's nano-carbon tube battery is recharged by solar cells on side surface.

Nissan D.MI 70
Jae Sang Lee
Attempting to revive the defunct Datsun nameplate, the Nissan D.MI 70 sports sedan is not a modern reinterpretation of a historic model but a four-door sedan that harnesses the iconic values the Bluebird and Fairlady of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Like many concepts on display at the exhibition, the D.MI 70 features an outer ‘skin' that wraps around the bottom of the vehicle over a separate structure. The twisted, chamfered body side stretches from the top of the hood and dissipates into the rear door, where it's picked up by the shoulder that defines the car's rear haunch.

Bugatti ES
Ji Hyun Kim and Gun Woo Kim
Boasting a similar body length and wheelbase to a Maybach 62 and styling cues derived from the Veyron supercar, the Bugatti ES concept is a chauffer-driven sedan with a twist. The exterior form is more sinuous than you'd expect on a large sedan, with embossed bodylines meant to evoke uncluttered elegance. The sharp arc of the DLO emphasizes that the vehicle's core attributes reside within. The asymmetrical rear lounge seat area and rearward-facing front passenger chair are inspired by European furniture from the middle ages.

Citroën MAXI
Jin Sook Park
The term 'maximalism' - which means maximizing decorative shapes but also maximizing efficiency - provided the inspiration for Park's innovative interior concept. Measuring just over 5m long and slightly less than 1.4m tall, the concept borrows heavily from modern architecture, proposing an asymmetric spiral seat arrangement that maximizes the space within the cabin while facilitating communication among passengers.

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By Eric Gallina