University of Huddersfield Degree Show 2008

Destinations, the graduate show of the Transport Design degree course at the University of Huddersfield, showed projects created by graduating students earlier this summer as part of the School of Art and Design's Graduate Show week, and also at the New Designers exhibition held in London's Business Design Centre.

While a significant proportion of the course is orientated towards automotive exterior and interior design, projects also allow for a wider interpretation of transport design including boats, public transport, trucks and motorcycles as well as more conceptual approaches towards transport issues of the future. This year's graduates investigated a large range of themes and produced a variety of design solutions.

Mazda Motorcycle
Aidan Bicknell

This everyday performance motorcycle incorporates advanced adjustable geometry that alters the bike's stance, handling and comfort. This, together with clever storage solutions, creates a genuine year-round bike which combines day-to-day usability and functionality with high performance and visual appeal. Branded as a Mazda, the concept was influenced by the automaker's 'Nagare' design language: its body is heavily inspired by water and air flow, drifting snow and wind erosion. The panels flow around the sharp, skeletal mechanics similar to the way in which nature reclaims man-made structures. With an upright stance and riding position for daily commuting, the bike alters its geometry to give a longer, stable wheelbase and aerodynamic profile for leisure trips and high speed runs. Following the same ethos of the RX-8, a practical and usable sports vehicle, the bike's compact dimensions and packaging allow space for luggage without the need of ungainly storage boxes.

Luxury Limousine
Adam Barnes

The Addison Lee 'Barnstormer' limousine 'lounge concept' features four passenger-facing seats with a maximized glasshouse for optimum viewing of the exterior scenery. Operated by a fully automated system controlled from an Addison Lee control center (negating the need for a driver), the company would create a pre-programmed route that the vehicle will travel based on the customer's stated preferences. Aimed a users with a high level of disposable income, the whole side of the vehicle can open up to allow the occupants to sit within the vehicle yet still enjoy the ambience of the location. Seating is aimed at maximum comfort and also reclines to allow for sleeping. The storage areas are in both the front and rear and are divided into personal areas with separate body openings.

Branding Car
Gary Caws

Using the Breitling brand as a starting point, this project investigates how a non-automotive brand can be used to drive the look and feel of a vehicle. Breitling's aeronautical associations give an aircraft feel the supercar, which is aimed at the upper end of the collectors market. The concept was designed as a single-seater to emulate fighter aircraft and give a very individual driving experience. With a dramatic cab forward stance, strong high flanks and rear detailing indicating the power of the mid-mounted engine, the car makes extensive use of carbon in its construction and details. The cockpit canopy draws from military aircraft: the powered rear-hinged opening, projecting steps and top entry reinforce this notion. Once inside, the driver is surrounded by a hi-tech IP and switchgear more suggestive of combat and engagement than an automobile.

Coast Cruiser
Adam Delcore

The ‘Coast Cruiser' is designed for 18-30 year olds who enjoy social exploration and individual independence that no other excursion can offer. The moment a trip is specified on the internet, users have the opportunity to create their own living space according to their individual taste. This allows the cabin to be built and installed as a complete item on the vessel before users arrive: a feature influenced by the Hof house principle. Divided into four separate living areas - each with its own kitchen dining area on the first deck, a bedroom and bathroom area above (with private extending balcony) and a sun terrace on top - all linked by private spiral staircases, there are also communal areas such as the observation lounge, the sun-deck and the pool/dining area at the rear. The crew's quarters, together with the stores and boat functionality is incorporated into the hulls.

Dual Use Car
Sam Bilbie

The 'Dual Use Car' is a different approach to a conventional small, low performance city vehicle. Research conducted identified commuters using urban public transport infrastructure who use their cars evenings and weekends. These users' needs were evaluated to a set criterion that drove the design towards a suitable solution. The proposed solution takes influence from minimalist architecture and new technologies to allow the most to be gained from a small space. Both the interior and exterior were initially driven by function, utilizing large openings and innovative seating configurations to benefit interior storage space. The exterior aesthetic was influenced by nature, combining visual impact and premium material finishes in key contact areas. Other areas adopt a more utilitarian approach, befitting a work vehicle.

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