Michael Ninic, Head of BMW Interior Design, dies at 53

Michael Ninic, who held the position of Head of BMW Car Interior Design for many years, unexpectedly died recently at the age of 53. Ninic, who joined the BMW Interior Design Team in 1987, was appointed head of the department in 1999. In 2001, the department also became responsible for material and color design. Michael Ninic's work has had a major influence on the design of BMW cars for almost twenty years of his active involvement with BMW Group.

"Michael Ninic was a deeply committed designer, said Head of BMW Group Design BMW Christopher Bangle, "During his active involvement, he had a major influence on the interior, material and color design of BMW cars. We lost an exemplary manager, a guiding force and a good friend."

Before he started his career with BMW Group, German-born Ninic, already had professional experience as a designer for German car manufacturer Audi and had also worked for Porsche Design. Over almost twenty years, Ninic's innovative design developments have successfully enhanced BMW Interior Design's formal scope of expression. His influence set new standards in the comfort and ergonomics of BMW car interiors. Among his most outstanding achievements are the interior design of the hand-crafted BMW Z8 Roadster, launched in April 2000, and the interior design of the BMW Concept CS presented in Shanghai last year.

Ninic developed a particularly clear design for the BMW Z8 interior, which makes the typical BMW characteristics come alive in interplay between sporting appeal and a specific sense of space. "When he designed this cockpit, Ninic created a special relationship between the car and its driver," said Bangle, "Driving a BMW Z8 is almost like riding a motorcycle, all you see is the road that stretches ahead of you."

Last year, Michael Ninic successfully added spectacular highlights with a completely new aesthetic design of the BMW Concept CS. As a modern answer to pompous opulence, Ninic's design concentrated on focused luxury. When Ninic and his team introduced the innovative technique of "layering design", they allowed a new approach to arranging functional elements and the stylish reduction of form. Cut lines, for example, took on a completely new meaning when they were enhanced with functions such as ventilation and ambient lighting. The new structure was also perfectly suitable for introducing innovative materials such as ceramics to control elements.

Ninic's new standards in interdisciplinary work and design development will affect the design of future BMW models and his creative work will continue as a steady influence on future developments of interior, material and color design for BMW cars. A successor to Michael Ninic as Head of BMW Interior Car Design has not yet been appointed. In the meantime, Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Car Design, has temporarily assumed this position in addition to his existing responsibilities.

Related Articles:
Design Review: BMW Concept CS 
Interview: Chris Bangle, BMW Group Design Director
Interview: Adrian van Hooydonk, Director Design, BMW Cars 

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