University of Huddersfield Degree Show 2007

LaunchPad, the graduation show of the University of Huddersfield's Transport Design degree course, opened June 8th as part of the School of Art and Design's Graduate Show week. Huddersfield is located in northern England between Manchester and Leeds.

Featuring work by the 19 students on the course, this year's graduates investigated a range of themes and produced a variety of design solutions. The interpretations of transport design included submarines, boats, public transport, adventure vehicles, and two projects that investigated the idea of living in vehicles. Conceptual approaches towards future transport issues were also examined through commuter vehicles, while social connectivity and mobile sculptures were also explored.

John Lord - Single-Seater Commuter Vehicle
John Lord presented a small single-seater electric commuter envisaged with the Vespa brand. Since traffic congestion is a continuing problem likely to worsen in cities around the world, proposals like this single-seater are interesting 'alternative' solutions to the problem. Lord's proposal - inspired by iconic, chic city runabouts such as the Vespa scooter and Fiat 500 - aims to reduce the footprint of a conventional car normally occupied by just one person on the daily commute. The electric drive will allow it to operate in the heart of urban areas and its appearance is fresh, blending 'funky retro' with a modern twist. 

Matt Taylor - Holiday Car
The show also included a holiday rental vehicle, designed for use in hot and sunny holiday destinations. The aim of Matt Taylor's proposal is to offer holidaymakers a new form of travel that is simple and easy to use while also being fun and practical. The Holiday car enhances the holiday experience through a variety of accessories such as cool boxes, BBQs and sun-loungers.

Jonny Gilbert- Extreme Sports Utility Vehicle
Jonny Gilbert's crossover vehicle investigates the possibility of a sleek and compact off-roader that can be used during the week for urban commuting but is also capable of becoming a social base-camp for extreme sports lovers at weekends. The vehicle is designed to provide transport for active people throughout the week, but is also able to provide accommodation, cooking and  eating and entertainment facilities. In addition to carrying specialist sports equipment, the vehicle has significant off-road capability in order to access remote locations ideal for many of the activities envisaged; such as mountain-biking, snowboarding, surfing, rock climbing and trekking. Innovative design makes all this possible in an attractive, user-friendly package.

Richard Ward - Urban Camper
Richard Ward's proposal also considered the idea of an urban camper that didn't compromise on car-like qualities while allowing for short breaks away. The final proposal is based around the concept of compact living and aims to remove the perception that the younger generation has on camping and caravans. The vehicle can accommodate four adults during regular use Monday to Friday as a normal mode of transport. When the weekend comes around, the vehicle can be driven to the most rural of areas and used as accommodation. The form language of the vehicle and its main focal points or objects of desire have been influenced by the work of architect Antoni Gaudi, a follower of the philosophies of organic architecture.

Phil Chennells - Customizable 4x4
The idea behind Phil Chennells' design is to have a vehicle to suit the needs and tastes of a wide range of 4x4 buyers. It adapts to meet the user's changing needs by allowing them to alter the look and function of the vehicle without buying a completely new car by changing key components such as wheels/tires, rear body sections, wheel-arches and adjusting the suspension to create a new style of 4x4.

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