Braunschweig School of Art student exhibition

The students were advised i their project development by Tomasz Bachorski and Robert Lesnik of Volkswagen Design, Wolfsburg.

Renault Multi-Purpose Vehicle
Sascha Heyde

The concept allows for driving either in convertible mode bathing in the sun or being touched by the suns rays through a translucent sunroof in the completely closed station wagon mode. Using the possibilities of a station wagon or even converting to a larger pickup for loading bulky items such as motorbikes or other sports equipment. Travelling with up to six people, the interior can be rearranged according to the passenger's needs or for spending the night in a home on wheels. The seats can be removed and used as deckchairs, and the pickup floor can be used as a sun deck. The Renault MPV project combines these four topics, incorporating contemporary lifestyle and considering the user's individual needs. The vehicle's core theme is the automatically guided sliding sunroof that allows different utility conditions with convenience. The MPV's versatility is topped off by the off-road attributes implemented by the chassis with high ground clearance, equipped with tough wheels, and the robust frame construction that envelopes the body.

BMW Sports Utility Vehicle
Sascha Heyde

The Intention behind this project was to create a variety of BMW SUV's mainly focused on merging former BMW attributes with new formal aspects. Key points addressed in this project included: utilising different front sections to create a specific expressive BMW face, creating a relationship between a dynamic/sleek car body and it's ruggedised chassis, formal interaction between waistline and silboard fading into the vehicles taillights, detail design elements emphasing the vehicle's cross-country attributes and giving a powerful outward appearance.

a*bike - Aprilia urban motorbike concept
Ingo Brueckmann

This concept is aimed at filling the gap between gas-guzzling high-speed bikes and under-powered mopeds. Used in dense urban areas the a*bike is useful for the daily commute to work as well as for local recreational trips. The a*bike was inspired by the Aprilia Colibri of the late fifties. Equipped with a unique suspension, a light-weight frame and a small engine the Colibri showed that there is not much needed for a thrilling ride on two wheels. The sport oriented driver on a budget would choose the a *bike, which relies on a small but sophisticated engine paired with a light weight construction to give the agility you need while darting through jammed streets. Almost all sensitive mechanical parts are covered under a robust shell. The rear suspension is centered between twin rear wheels.

VW-multiple
Marc Kirsch

The VW-multiple is a small pick-up vehicle for china, powered by a fuelcell. The fuelcell is integrated in the underbody of the car, so you can use the space in the front as a second luggage area. The car should give consideration to practical and also emotional aspects. Because of its small size and its offroad characteristics, the operational area of the car is very large. It can be used in crowded cities, as well as in terrain where there is minimal infrastructure.

Ro(a)dster
Marc Kirsch

The ro(a)dster is a car which combines formal and emotional aspects from american hot rods and British roadsters. It is for people who want to drive a really independent and powerful car.

Offroad buggy
Till Muhl

This offroad buggy for country use is designed for two people and has a loading space in the back. The car is completely topless, but the driver will be protected against rain or sand by a parker that could be transformed into a cape. The cape will be connected with the frame structure of the car.

SEAT Leon
Andreas Krueger

This design of a new SEAT Leon shows the latest SEAT design language anounced by the Salsa, Tango and Altea. Inspired by the movement and behaviour of smoke which appears in a continuous state of flux, the body is structured by a perpetual interplay of concave and convex surfaces which blend smoothly and are stretched between sharp crease lines. The car is based on the technical package of its Volkswagen-sibling Golf 5.

Mobile Architecture
Andreas Krueger

Conceiving a car as mobile architecture rather than a dynamic piece of sports equipment makes it possible to achieve another point of view. The car is not just a private and mobile room, it is a an entrance to different situations in life. Free of any brand philosophy this concept shows an interpretation of mobile architecture where the interior takes center stage. The design of the car is based on the idea of having an empty car that he customer can equip with the favoured combination of interior components, and always be up to date with the latest products offered by the manufacturer. Different product lines and levels can be provided. If your life has changed, just change your car as well! The luxury of unused space between the free-standing components gives a roomy atmosphere. The wide body makes it possible to sviwel the seats completely. The huge transparent cut out of the car body makes the passenger compartment a mobile and sunny lounge that makes one feel both free and sheltered. The cabinet-like center box and the seats are movable on infloor mounted rails. The center cabinet includes storage container, ice box and an armrest on top and features foldable tables on both sides. The driver control unit is moved forward when the driver's seat is turned towards the center of the cabin. The oversized door panels integrate side impact protection and large storage bins, and the side pads swivel up to act as armrests.

Schwimmwagen interior
Markus speck

Schwimmwagen interior developed during an internship at Volkswagen Design, Wolfsburg, under support of Tomasz Bachorski and Nils Poschwatta. The aim of this design was to form an interior with a sturdy functionality, similar to the one of the VW Kübelwagen. The project vision was of creating a robust, simple, maritime textile tub equipped with a wood-planked floor which can be rinsed out, comparable with the amphibian vehicle at that time. The interior concept presents a one to six-seater with the center console serving as a bench for up to three seats, one after another, by installing the backs in the console. On both sides of the console more seats can be installed by fixing them into tracks. This concept offers a new feeling of driving and at the same time maximum flexibility and variability of the space. The centered seating one after another brings a new feeling of riding a car, comparable to riding a jet-ski or driving a scooter.

Schwimmwagen exterior
Markus Speck

This project deals with forming the exterior for the Schwimmwagen interior. The new Schwimmwagen presents itself as an amphibian and convertible just like its archetype, the VW Kübelwagen Type 166. The vehicle has offroad-characteristics, for example the rough tires and the large-scale suspension. The new amphibian results from the symbiosis of automobile and boat. It is recognizable as a car, but shows certain maritime, boat-like characteristics. Beneath the upper part, which is shaped by soft embracing plastic elements, is the tub which strengthens the boat-like character.

VW Golf
Joern Zirfass

Following the scenario 'Volkswagen as a high-quality brand with a considered and honest character', Jörn Zirfass' concept presents a connected and coherent 'loop-line' design. Based closely on the existing production package, the Golf appears more fastback-like than it's ancestors, due to a domed backscreen that supports the Golf-typical angled C-pillar. While continuing the model's heritage the concept adds new design elements, the intention to make the car appear slim and clearly outlined. An observer's gaze is directed aroud the volume by a series of edges that connect the major graphic elements of the car. From front to back, surfaces are stepped one after another, visually tapered towards the rear end, underlining the character of a front-wheel-driven car.

Truck seat
Jan Henrik-Haehnel

The truck seat's main characteristic is its cantilever support, carrying the seat and supporting it in its key functions. The longitudinal adjustment, as well as the vertical adjustment and the suspension are taken over by the cantilever. The intention was to give the seat more a shelled character, although it still had to be comfortable and had to fulfil high ergonomic standards.The theme can be described as Asian and natural (sharp lined cushions, bowl-moulded shell) As the driver's seat is located in the centre of the interior, it has an airbag on each side of the backrest. The graphics of the airbags match with graphics of the side panels. The seat is designed to adjust to suit individual preferences, and adaptive armrests can be put on the side bolsters of the backrest.

Braunschweig School of Art website: www.hbk-bs.de

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Braunschwieg Student Exhibition 2003