Lightness and sustainability of materials. The topic chosen for development during the first semester of the Master in Industrial Design, specialising in mobility, at the FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences originated in respect for these parameters. The purpose of the assignment was to make young designers more sensitive to the use of natural materials, with the aim in this case of increasing the use of wood in the construction of a vehicle. Students could choose between two objects pertaining to the topic: designing a sports car with the Audi TT as the maximum dimensional reference parameter, or a low-floor city bus. Wood was therefore to be one of the vehicle’s structural elements and the work had to be approached in such a way that the use of this material was predominant and recognisable in all designs.
WoodC.A.R. Audi Rebellion di Frieder Heitmann, Dominik Lavorato
The modular Rebellion design allows for individual user scenarios in which the front-seat passenger is equal. A shock absorber made of a wood-metal composite provides driving pleasure. It can be adapted to the track situation and the driving style.
Active sports seat in upright position, possibility to steer and interact, support straps for fast driving
WoodC.A.R. MAN City Bus Concept di Matthias Ernst
In the City Bus Concept, wood plays a constructive as well as a creative role in the design. The frames, which are milled from laminated wood, serve as a load-bearing element of the entire passenger compartment and as an aesthetic support for seats, backrests, grab handles or room dividers.
Passenger compartment, chassis
Wood C.A.R. Nude di Dario Mottl e Maximilian Resch
Audi Nude is a stripped-down vehicle that wants to define the term “driving experience” in a new way. With the use of the natural material wood, from which, among other elements, the underbody is made of, the drivers should again feel the surrounding nature while driving and experience themselves as a part of it.
Cooling of the battery and the motors
Wood C.A.R. MAN Commuter Bus di Julia Quentin, Lennart Baramsky
The concept makes a meaningful use of this lost travel time possible: in an “Office on Wheels” up to 29 people can work while commuting. The ambience of the autonomous bus is divided into three areas: the conference area, the working area and the lounge, which are geared to the passengers needs.
Conference (seclusion/concentration), Workspace (alone/small group) and Lounge (relaxation/meeting) zones
