Northumbria University Degree Show 2008

Students graduating from the Northumbria University BA (Hons) Transportation Design course based in Newcastle in the north east of England have shown their work at an exhibition entitled ‘New Designers'. Held the Business Design Centre in Islington, north London, the exhibition featured a series of schools displaying various thesis projects from their Art and Design programs.

Lotus Eigne
David Fearnley

Like the recently unveiled Evora, the Lotus Eigne (First Born) aims to offer a more practical sports-car in the Lotus range. Designed with the user group of a new or young family in mind, the Eigne offers a level of practicality while offering the Lotus experience to all occupants within the vehicle. The unique cockpit features a 1+2.5 seating arrangement which can accommodate two adults and a child behind the driver. This is made possible thanks to the in-wheel electric motors which eliminate any obstacles on the floor pan, making it completely flat. The in-wheel motors offer rear biased four-wheel drive for more control while keeping the rear-wheel drive feel Lotus are renowned for. The batteries which power the electric motors are sandwiched in the floor pan to keep them cool and lower center of gravity for better handling.

Prima 43' Motor Yacht
Al Robinson

The Prima 43' is the solution to the massive demand from the public to advance motor yachts from the relatively unchanged designs over the last 50 years to a more modern and futuristic resolution. Aimed at 35 to 45 year old couples looking to relax and entertain on board, the Prima 43' incorporates large open plan areas making effective use of the room and providing a sociable space to benefit from. Taking inspiration from modern interior design with contemporary, angular lines, the Prima 43' has a dynamic appearance. Large windows brighten both above and below deck, giving the boat a lighter, airy feel than the typical dark, cramped designs. The Prima 43' pushes the boundaries of traditional boat design, heading in the right direction to that which is required by the industry to attract new users to boating.

My First Vehicle - Budget Car
Alan Neill

The ‘Joy Machine', aimed at young professionals aged 20-25, combines a convenient package layout with unique basic innovations, to create a desirable low-priced vehicle for the consumer. Like the mass produced post-war Volkswagen Beetle, the Joy Machine is rear-engined and rear-wheel drive. Plastic panels and soft padded bumpers help to prolong panel life, while the no frills four-seat interior is devoid of a dashboard as all controls located in the steering wheel. Underneath the cabin is a steel frame chassis with three latitudinal and two longitudinal members. The 4-cylinder concept weighs 600kg, thanks to an all aluminum engine and gearbox, which are mounted over the rear axle with battery and fuel tank located under the front seats, creating a balanced low centre of gravity. With just over 40bhp and a top speed of just over 70mph, the Joy Machine costs about as much as a motorbike.

Commuter Train Interior
Chris Barker

This commuter train interior aims to make a difference in people's daily lives by offering a unique traveling experience. With the combination of a well-designed interior space and an advanced wireless infrastructure, this project offers a comfortable and pleasant traveling environment. The seating is adaptable to cope with the changing demands and it also offers an innovative standing pole solution, allowing the users to stand in a safer and more convenient manner. Throughout the interior, technology enhances the experience of the passengers via scrolling displays with live news feeds, weather and travel information. When in the sitting face to face the unique user interface allows passengers to connect their media of choice to the onboard screen situated at each booth, maximizing their productivity or being entertained.

Continues →

By Eric Gallina