marceloaguiar design | car design portfolio

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T16:07:00.002Z

Happy New Year, everybody! Let your dreams take off! ;)

Semog Hawk - winner of the 3rd ADP Design Challenge

2011-11-16T11:53:00.001Z

My Semog Hawk has won 1st prize in the 3rd ADP Design Challenge, in partnership with Semog, a top class portuguese manufacturer of kartcross and other racing vehicles.

The new Semog kartcross was inspired by the Hawk - light, agile, but powerful and agressive at the same time. The "wings" that stretch along the body of the Semog Hawk are the main feature that separate the lower from the upper section, lending lightness and visual dynamics to the design, simulating the flight of the bird of prey.

The air intakes, on the sides and on top, also add movement and horizontal tendency to the whole.

The Semog Hawk has a door that includes a section of the body to ease pilot ingress/egress. It also comes with a rear wing for better aerodynamic performance.

A big Thank You to Semog and ADP, who made this competition possible by coming together with a great theme!

Semog Hawk - You can run, but you cannot hide!

This whole project, as stated in the competition rules, is property of Semog.

ATS Chromeface

2011-11-08T12:54:00.000Z

Here is my entry for the Unico Esemplare ATS competition!

The new ATS is the ATS Chromeface.

Some photos of the original ATS, the Sportcoupe

Deeply inspired by the original Sportcoupe, the ATS genes of the Chromeface are shown through the use of a chrome front mask integrating the headlights as a reminder of the original chrome bumper, which also gives the car its name, Chromeface.

Also the shoulder line, with its slope towards the rear, along with the rear wheelarch and the side air intake, defines the body of the ATS Chromeface, in a unified, coherent gesture - aggressive, powerful, yet elegant.

The rear is a slice in the body, inspired by the ATS' rear, designed to provide good aerodynamic behaviour. A rear spoiler can be fitted connecting the two 'fins' that stretch towards the rear.

The top also reveals lines of the Sportcoupe, such as the d.l.o. and the rear window.

The headlights are from the Renault Fluence and the taillights are from the Fiat Coupe, rearranged to a different position. The wheels are the 19" BBS model CH.

The Chromeface has a rear diffuser for extra downforce and stability as a standard feature, with an integrated exhaust at the centre.

The interior is inspired by a black / metal theme, with a horizontal tension. The dashboard integrates 3 circular meters, speedometer, rev-counter and temperature/fuel levels. The central console has a touchscreen display for all commands and information about the car. The steering wheel is a Momo Millenium, because of its three chrome spokes, just like the ATS Sportcoupe.

A new experience with a powerful sense of history.

Yet another teaser....

2011-10-27T18:05:00.001+01:00

coming soon..... ;)

Dassault Systemes TAXI Prague design challenge

2011-10-10T16:40:00.000+01:00

A Taxi is no ordinary car; it is a vehicle with the solepurpose of transporting complete strangers from A to B, in exchange for a fee.

Though this definition may seem too simple, it gains indepth the moment we contextualize it: in Prague (as well as in lots of otherpopular cities), taxi users are not just strangers, they are either tourists orresidents.

And suddenly it is not just about the destination; thejourney also becomes an important part of the experience, not only for thetourist, eager to absorb everything the city has to offer, but also for theresident, is his daily routine, often disconnected from the highlights of hisown environment.

It is usually through the windows of a Taxi car thattourists have their first impressions of the city they are visiting; itprovides the tourist a chance for connection and the resident the opportunityto reconnect. This adds a greater responsibility to the Taxi in the cityexperience.

Because of its specific use, the new Taxi Prague is anasymmetrical car. Its shape is inspired by the classic Horse-drawn Carriages asa link to Prague’s flourishing ages. The large window on the right side and itslow door define this link.

Though connected to classical roots, the general look of thecar is intended to be trendy, yet friendly and professional. The shape of thelights gives the Taxi an air of friendliness while the asymmetry adds dynamismto the whole.

Even though the design has a two-tone asymmetrical body, theoverall shape is symmetrical and so it does not compromise the aerodynamicbehaviour.

With a capacity of 4 passenger seats, passenger ingress is made onlythrough the right side – which is the natural side of approach – while driveringress is made through the left side. The driver is completely separated fromthe passengers via a glass window.

The luggage compartment, which is located in the rear, canbe accessed opening the door that is divided into two sections: one opens upwardsand the other downwards, so that a large opening is achieved without using alarge, and bulky and cumbersome, door. The compartment can be dividedvertically into small spaces with shelves that can be pulled from the wall.

On the right side, the large window provides a good view ofthe sidewalk; on the left side, the view is enhanced by the large window andglazed roof. This way, passengers can have a full experience of the city.

Inside, passengers can use a touchscreen display to eithersee publicity or info about the city; they can search for Hotels, Restaurants,Museums, Cultural Guide and so on. Also available would be relevantresident-oriented information such as Pharmacy Directory, Authority contacts,online newspapers for checking the news on the go.

In the end of the journey, payment can be made by cash orcard following the instructions on the display and using the card and billsinlet located beside the screen to make the payment.

The materials used are recycled plastics, on the body as wellas in the interior. This Taxi uses an electric engine with batteries that canbe recharged during vehicle movement and braking, or in the Taxi stationsthrough an inlet located in the front (the small yellow taxi object near thebumper).

All these functionalities, together with thedynamic and distinctive aesthetics and the comfort of an electric carcontribute to a unique experience of Prague.

I am very happy to know that my project was among the 25 finalists, as it appears in the jury meeting photos and video!

Leon2049 art

2011-10-07T11:54:00.000+01:00

Here's an improved render of my Seat Leon2049, of one I had done during my Seat internship. Enjoy. :)

teaser

2011-09-09T18:34:00.001+01:00

A new project. Stay tuned!! ;)

5 second sketch - Sketch Fighter rush of adrenaline!

2011-09-08T11:50:00.000+01:00

A rush of adrenaline at Sketch Fighter competition!
Redesign the DeTomaso Pantera!

R4 2.0 - Renault 4ever designboom competition entry

2011-08-30T11:19:00.001+01:00

R4 2.0 - my Renault 4ever designboom competition entry.

The R4 2.0 was inspired by the original Renault 4, not just in design, but also in the versatility. Its main concept lines were reinterpreted in the new body design: the side line was kept as a continuous gesture harmonized with the solid parts of the body.

The new R4 2.0 body has a modular function - the rear can be changed to achieve optimum efficiency in production and vehicle use. One body can be used in several modes according to owner's needs.

In order to recharge its electric motors, charging stations with elevating charge pads are placed on the parking spaces so that when the R4 parks, the pad elevates to touch the receiver located in the chassis to begin charge - no cables or plugs are necessary.

The interior was also inspired by the original Renault 4 dashboard, designed as a single horizontal element. There is a fully tactile touchscreen display that can be customized according to drivers preferences. The steering wheel can be assigned to either front seat so that changing driver can be easily done, and the dashboard display inverts when new driver place is assigned.

The Rearview Merger Display located on top of the dashboard shows the images of the 3 cameras (two on the sides of the body and one in the rear window) in a single image.

FactoryFive Project 818

2011-06-17T12:13:00.001+01:00

I am happy to share my Project for the Factory Five Design Competition with you!

The concept follows the idea of a "cover" or "protection" for a very powerful and agressive creature -- like an armour designed to conceal the power coiled inside.

Consequently, the main feature of the car is the two-tone body - glossy finish on top and matte plastic on the base. While the white body tends to have a minimalistic design, the dark plastic has strong, elaborate lines that add aggressiveness to the whole - for example, the front spoiler and the side air intakes. These features let the observer guess the real power of the beast.

The very straight lines of the white body in the rear add better aerodynamic performace.

The top can be removed as an option.

This design is property of FactoryFive, as stated in the Competition Rules.

UMM Attack in Autohoje TT&Aventura magazine

2011-04-14T12:05:00.003+01:00

I am very proud to tell you that my UMM Attack was published in the edition no. 17 of Autohoje TT&Aventura magazine.

Not only inside, but also on the cover, beside its "grandfather", the UMM Cournil.

Thank you, Auto-hoje!
;)

UMM Attack

2011-02-18T18:29:00.005Z

UMM Alter II (in wikipedia)

The theme of the 2nd ADP Challenge was to restyle one of the legendary portuguese cars - the UMM, a very successful off-road utility vehicle. The first model came out in 1977 and was redesigned in 1985 - the UMM Alter (see picture on the left).
Although production stopped in 1996, it was not only used by private costumers but also for military purposes.
In 2000 a new redesign was attempted. Three prototypes were made, but due to internal problems, the model never made it to the market.
It is estimated that more than 10000 units were produced and the UMM is widely used in off-road practice today.

The new UMM Attack is born of passion for off-roading and for the notability of the its predecessor, the UMM Alter.
Using molded parts rather than bent steel panels, the Attack keeps the genes of the whole UMM family in its design and spirit. These are evident in unmistakable features as well as less obvious details - an off-road vehicle that actively tackles the challenges ahead.

The design of the UMM Attack is consequence of the brand's DNA. The angular-shaped hood of the Alter served as a key-feature for the body, through a chamfer on the whole length, along with the trapezoid-shaped front. All in a unified gesture deeply inspired by the Alter.
On the front, the air intake is integrated in the headlight design, leaving the rest in matte painted metal.
The chamfer end in the rear frames the tail gate, which is made with carbon-fiber. In it one can recognize the vertical windows of the Alter.

Keeping the UMM spirit alive means designing a vehicle capable of pure off-roading. The UMM Attack comes equipped with a 9500 lbs winch and two Snorkels integrated in the A-Pillar, because the best defense is a good offense.

ADP is Automotive Design Portugal. It was founded in 2010 to bring together all portuguese car design enthusiasts, students and professionals.
Learn all about ADP and other projects for this challenge here.

Seat L3on2049 - Clay Model photos

2010-12-16T12:07:00.003Z

Here are some previously unpublished photos of the clay model of my project developet at Seat Design Centre in Barcelona.

Phase 1: unfortunately there are no photos of the inicial phase of clay modelling. A basic 3D model was developed and milled on the clay.

Phase 2: after milling was finished, it was evident that it needed work, so I started making changes on the right side of the model, leaving the left side with its original shape.

Phase 3: after all changes were made, the shutlines were defined and we took the model to the paintshop for primer.

Phase 4: matte paint was chosen to simulate aerodynamic micro recesses (like a golf ball) and to give the car a more "product design" feel.


finished clay model photos

5 second sketch 04

2010-11-04T11:05:00.000Z

Out of a very small freehand sketch (4 centimeteres wide)...

Alfa Romeo SZ

2010-08-17T10:37:00.000+01:00

I couldn't resist to reinterpret the design of one of my all-time favourites, the Alfa Romeo SZ -- The Monster that disappointed almost every car design critic but managed to shape Alfa Romeo's design guidelines so strongly that its influence can still be detected to this day.

So let me share my first sketch of my SZ with you. Hope you like it! :)

Seat IB roadster

2010-07-20T19:30:00.000+01:00

Here is the ^ibroadster, my latest project.

What started out as a mere sketch excercise became a stand-alone design with its own process.

The IBr is a two-seater with agressive/dynamic lines. Some of the design features are consistent with Seat's attitude, like the arrowface and the dynamic line. The triangular shaped headlights with a divided solid are inspired by the IBe Concept.
The top has a black glossy finish to accentuate the body's stance.

The rear also reveals some Seat features -- the design of the taillights are a reinterpretation of that of the Ibiza's and the IBZ concept. The Arrowface feature is repeated, giving shape to the rear bumper.

a teaser

2010-06-30T08:39:00.000+01:00

this is a little something I'm working on. More to come very soon. ;)

5 second sketch 03

2010-04-21T17:59:00.000+01:00

5 second sketch - VW Golf

2010-04-15T17:45:00.000+01:00

Here is another quick sketch, this time of a VW Golf.

5 second sketch - Ferrari Modulo

2010-04-14T15:51:00.001+01:00

The 5 second sketch theme is not really literal. It just expresses the attitude of a series of sketches that I do which are not related to any project. It's just that my hands won't stop sketching and I want to share the results with you.
This is the first one. For no special reason, the Ferrari Modulo came to my mind and I decided to make a quick sketch to reinterpret its design.

Hope you like it!

Element-C

2010-04-09T16:23:00.000+01:00

Another entry for a Local Motors competition, this time for the Pacific NW. The theme of the competition was "Pacific Motors: thrive in the elements".

The Element-C is a 4WD SUV with the stance of a Coupé. The DLO stretches from the A-pillar all the way to the back, accentuating the fast roof and tail of the body. Insipired by the Rally Fighter, the LM Line can be recognized along the side, and is then reinterpreted and used for the shape of the shoulder line.

The key feature of the Element-C is the totally convertible panoramic roof. If it's cold outside, but sunny, one can turn off the electronic opacification of the roof. However, if one wants to enjoy the pleasant air outside, the roof can fold completely to the front and the rear window to the back, tucked away inside the tailgate. For the ultimate outdoor experience, the rear seats rise just enough to look above roof and the tailgate can be used as a shading screen.

And because no driving experience is complete without sustainability, the Element-C has a Bio-diesel/electric hybrid engine; its structure and bodywork are made of lightweight (assuring 30% more mileage) recycled materials. Its interior has also eco-friendly features: the upholstery is made of recycled leather residue and the whole cockpit is lined with foam impregnated with micro-encapsulated Phase Change Materials - if interior temperature drops below the comfort zone, PCM's will release heat; and if it becomes too hot, that heat will be absorbed so that temperature peaks are supressed, saving energy.

Here is a sketch with doors open. Because it's a large door, it's better to open in like that than in a conventional way. A section of the body also opens for extra storage space, just above the taillights.

The Four Elements were missing the Fifth... the Element-C. ;)

The SnowRaptor

2010-04-09T14:55:00.001+01:00

This is my entry for the Local Motors - Alaska Motors competition.

The Snow Raptor is built to cope with all kinds of terrain and conditions. It has two modes of operation: in normal mode, it works as an off-road vehicle, with suspension arms with variable height, to achieve maximum possible speed; in Glider mode, the front wheelarches are inverted and used as skis under the front wheels while the thread of the rear wheels expand to maximize grip in snow powder or ice.
For best performance, driver and co-pilot positions are displaced to give the driver a better view of surroundings and a narrower cockpit. Its glazed surface that goes from front to back is equipped with PV cells and a solar concentrator membrane that intensifies sun light, thus optimizing battery recharging.

Beware of the Snow Raptor. This is where weak racing cars are separated from deadly winning machines. ;)

L3on2049 - work in progress

2010-03-12T17:45:00.000Z

Good experiences always make you want to relive them, from time to time.

I'm working on the interior of my Leon 2049, while perfecting the 3D model that was constructed from the clay model. This way I will be able to explain the concept more clearly. Particularly the way the deformable cockpit works, and how it changes between the three mod3s.

For now, this is more of a teaser than anything else. More to come soon...

Seat Wtcc

2010-02-09T16:47:00.003Z

Since the end of my internship at Seat Design Center I have been trying to ignore the thoughts in my head.

Sure I loved my Seat W -- after all, it won the 4th Seat / Automagazine Design Contest and it got me a 6 month intership, an experience I will never forget.
But everytime I looked at it, I felt an urge to change a detail here, there... but since it was nothing completely coherent I turned my attention to other things, other cars.

So I kept pushing this back into some postponing corner of my mind.
Until I could no more.

Well, I ended up changing a lot more I was expecting.
...and to think that it all started with the sentence "I should design nicer wheelarches for my Seat W"

The result is the Seat W.... TCC. A modified version of the Seat W, to be driven by Tiago Monteiro in the wtcc challenge. ;)
Enjoy!

Of course comparing the original with the modified version was inevitable.
Main differences are in the brutally wide wheelarches, the front bumper and the wheels, in which the cover was removed to reveal the brake disc behind the orange spokes.
Racing interior was also designed and a spoiler was added as well as an intercooler grille on the hood.
All with Seat racing colours.

And here are some "photos" of Tiago Monteiro driving it. :)

SEAT W paper model

2010-01-21T18:36:00.002Z

Here's a treat for all you paper model fans (me included).

I decided to make a 1:24 scale paper model of my winning design, the SEAT W.

Have fun! Feel free to post feedback!

Read all about the SEAT W here.

[r]3volution - Seat Leon2049

2009-11-21T11:50:00.008Z

This is my Personal Project developed during my 6-month internship at SEAT Design Center in Barcelona. The full name of the Project is: "[r]evolution: Leon2049 - designing the 50 year anniversary edition of the Seat Leon: materialization of technology developments and evolution of SEAT's line of concept and aesthetics, in a context of a hypothetic urban reality".

My warm thanks to Luc Donckerwolke and everyone else involved in the Project - Xavier Villanueva, my internship tutor (who gave me an outstanding support), Chris Axe, Juan Perez, Jorge Diez, Amin Sadek, Sergi Garcia, Carlos Bartolomé, Richard, Albert, David for the invaluable help, for believing in the project and relentlessly "pushing" me forward. To René Mathis, Richard Mohos, David Risueño Tienro, Rafaele, Victor, Eliel. To Frank, Anon, Gary, Carlos, Uli and Sergi Vidal for the support during the clay modelling phase.

Feel free to comment. Enjoy!

Barcelona, 2049. SEAT releases the Leon2049, the 50 year anniversary of the Seat Leon.

Cars no longer exist.

Nowadays we have, on one hand, single or multiple passenger specialized transportation vehicles, automatic or controled by the user. Everything designed for efficiency in an urban tissue that keeps getting denser and more complex.

To use a personal means of transportation to go to work in the city makes no sense. A car, as we knew it in the past, does not meet the efficiency requirement of today's metropolis anymore. Hence the mandatory use of the public transportation system, like monorail maglev trains or shuttles but also 1 person community vehicles - these programs started around the beginning of the 21st century with completely manual bicycles and today we have scooters and other single seat electric vehicles.

However, today's way of life is not just about complicated cities and stress.

We also have leisure vehicles for the enjoyment of a trip, family environment and/or the vehicle itself and that is where the Leon2049 comes in.

Sustainability

There is a progressively growing concern with the urban experience. Gradually, priority was given to the pedestrian through rational and sustainable urban planning.

Environmental and sustainability issues began to arise in the 70's of the 20th century. Since then, the concept "Think globally, act locally" has been applied more and more, connecting the individual polluter with global problems.

In 1992 a conference was held in Rio de Janeiro by the UN - "Earth Summit" - in which strategies to apply this concept were outlined, through the program "Agenda 21".
Five years later the situation was reviewed - "Rio+5" and flaws in the program were identified and new strategies were defined in order to better its implementation.
50 years after Earth Summit, in 2042, the "Rio+50" conference was held and Sustainability measures became stricter in all sectors and transportation was no exception.

Technology

There are several technologies that were nothing more than dreams in the beginning of this century, which were developed by SEAT and used in the Leon2049 to cope with increasingly stern environmental regulations.
One of them is Hydrogen. Although the was a rise of Hybrid Gas/Electric cars in the beginning of the century, we all soon realized that they were just a passing phase towards an efficient use of hydrogen fuel cells. It started in the USA, in California, but then hydrogen fuelling stations appeared like mushrooms throughout the world. In 40 years, it became something quite common.

Glass with Solar Concentrator Membrane is also a common and accessible reality nowadays. With constant research, it became possible to efficiently capture sun light in the glazed surface and intensify it on the edges where PV cells are located, transforming light into electricity (more about Solar Concentrator).

With the extensive use of glazed surface, classic controls and dashboards became obsolete. Holographic HUD controls with gesture recognition for driving were the perfect solutions.

While these features are rather common in our vehicles today, SEAT still managed to take the research a step forward, developing completely new technologies, making the Leon2049 a pioneer:

Electro-deformable materials - thanks to nano-scales that change their global shape through electric current and acquire a predefined structure given the electric frequency, it is possible to use a material that changes its shape between a number of fixed memories.

Plasmagnectic Levitation System - it was a mere theory in the beginning of the 21st century: a system that would allow levitation without using any kind of track with enough efficiency to make a large body float at an acceptable height with acceptable stability. Research began with small steps but achieved maturity some years ago. The Leon2049 is the first vehicle to use this system efficiently.
[more about Plasmagnectic Levitation: HoverTech]

All these technological developments meet the global desire of having a pleasant urban experience, of rendering our cities more sustainable, of returning the city to the pedestrian.

But the Leon2049 took this concept a little further: the day will come when all vehicles use its levitation system and the asphalt that contaminated our cities for more than one century will become obsolete. We will have long stretches of lawn - why not? - instead of a heavy dark layer of asphalt.

The SEAT Leon2049 is not only an evolution of the brand, but also a revolution in car design.

Target

The buyer of the Leon2049 is a young family with a lifestyle that justifies owning a private vehicle. They can work at home or in the office but they like to spend quality time together. They like to travel not only by aircraft but also in their private vehicle.
To meet the demands of a family the Leon2049 has to be a flexible to cope with the needs of each member - whether it is daddy that wants to drive a little faster, or the family that wants to take a short or long trip with the kids.
But above all, the vehicle experience should be pleasant and lively.

Design: behind the scenes

Inspirations

To design a vehicle for the year 2049 it was necessary to think not only about the concept of a car for that time, but also about the environment - the city, people's lifestyles, and so on - and how this would influence automotive design. A whole Reality was created, as described above, and imagine how the SEAT Leon would fit in that reality.

SEAT's DNA was rather important in the design of the 50-year anniversary edition of the Leon. Starting with the Seat 600, touching the Toledo and ending in the Leon.
Besides the context of technology evolution, two images were relevant in the design process: the hands holding a planet, suggesting protection and the image of a highway at night with its dynamism. These pictures were interpreted and used in the shaping of the Leon2049.

Design Process

As the design process of the Leon2049 advanced, the design of the car itself kept advancing in time. One of the main changes was the substitution of the wheels with the Plasmagnetic Levitation System. This change occurred because at one point it became coherent with the reality that was constructed. It made sense, considering the context.

first phase sketches of the L3on2049

It was visible from the start the shape of the concept in the first sketches: a definition of two different materials/transparency levels - something solid protecting a live core; the evident intention of meeting the brand's values and characteristic design features, such as the lower part inspired in the Seat 600 and a reinterpretation of the SEAT Line which had its origins in the Seat 600 itself but was successfully redesigned by Walter de'Silva on the Altea and on the Leon2005.

Feedback received from my Tutor and other designers made the design of the Leon2049 evolve. The intermediate presentation was extremely useful and enabled an important conceptual jump.

The Leon2049 thus became more dynamic than aggressive, establishing a more coherent balance with the defined concept.

second phase sketches of the Leon2049

Flexibility

The Leon2049 uses an electro-deformable material that enables modification of the shape of the cockpit. With 3 different shape memories it can change between 3 different modes:

1- Coupé mode: 2 seats (1+1), shaped for speed and performance;
2- Standard mode: 5 seats, shaped for a normal use, short trips;
3- Cruiser mode: 6 seats (turned to each other), for long trips.

This feature allows unprecedented versatility. The result is extremely pleasant driving experience regardless the situation.

The clay model was made after the mode that expresses more dynamism, the Coupé mode.

Clay model

Although the clay model was milled after a basic 3D model, significant changes were made that made the Leon2049 a more coherent and more mature, project.

Changes like connecting all body features in a dynamic way and adding a surface cut along the whole side of the car helped to better define the main theme and concept of the Leon2049.

Advancing the highest point of the cockpit and shaping a faster tail window and connecting it with the rest of the body, making the Leon2049 “more SEAT”, also improved its silhouette.

In the end of the process I had the invaluable help of SEAT's professional modellers to finish the model for painting phase.

Here are some photos of the finished model.

Towards 2049 - a reality

The Leon2049 is not only a product of a dreamed reality, but also responsible for shaping that reality. The technology it uses and the way it materialises flexibility makes it a pioneer, changing urban experience radically.

... but if such a reality is still 40 years away, the “seeds” could be “sowed” right now with the Leon2049 Scalextric racing model and the Leon2049 CUPRA Ipod game. Why not? ;)

The Seat Leon 2049 Scalextric electric racing model... the Leon 2049 CUPRA Ipod game and the Leon2049 in the Wipeout game.

Seat Leon2049 - teaser

2009-09-10T16:13:00.000+01:00

Now that my 6 month internship at Seat Design Center is over, here is a detail of my clay model, which was developed in the final phase of the internship.

Further details of the entire project coming soon!

2008 - Seat W - winner of the 4th Seat / Automagazine Design Contest

2008-12-09T14:37:00.065Z

4th Seat / Automagazine Design Contest - winner
Theme: Design a Seat for the modern woman

Software: 3DS Max 2009, Photoshop

The new Seat W (as in Woman) was completely designed for the modern woman.

Small on the outside, but large on the inside, it copes with the needs of urban life, Wether facing a simple situation or a complex one, the Seat W eases the woman's routines, strenghtening the pleasure of driving and using the car.
The Seat W integrates several simple, yet useful, solutions, that make it user-friendly in a woman's everyday life, such as storage spaces inside; partial opening of the trunk; side doors opening from the center give good access to the interior and its seats (design inspired by Verner Panton's "Panton Chair"); the glazed surface "from top to bottom" making it easier to watch everything around.

There is easy access to the refrigerator liquid, motor oil and windshield liquid without the need to open the hood and an actual drawer that carries the spare tyre, for those situations that may be less frequent and considered as less attractive from the feminine point of view.
The woman's independence is strengthened by making everything easy and simple.

All this, together with a sofisticated design, make the Seat W the perfect car for every woman.

Seat W. Simple. Friendly. Feminine.

Visit Automagazine's Flickr area and also their blog to know more about the contest.

"Behind the wheel"

Start

The design of the Seat W was initially divided in two components: the aestethics and functionality - Form and Function. These merged and influenced eachother eventually in the process, so that at some points Form followed Function and at other points, otherwise.

The theme, in itself, was a challenge from the start, because there is always a tendency to draw cars that may be tipically labelled as aggressive, that are designed in the light of our wishes and not taking a whole new group into account.

But behind the façade of the challenge of designing a car for the modern woman, was a hidden threat - the new Seat Ibiza, with its strong concept and image was, at the same time, a friend and a foe in the process of design. On one hand, it cast shining light on the path to a whole new revigorated Seat; on the other hand, that same shining light could blind the creative mind and become a "conceptual prison".

At this point it became evident that it was crucial to "synthesize" the new Seat Ibiza and pick its main design lines (in short, use only its DNA), instead of trying to adapt its design to this challenge.

One of the factors that provides pleasure while driving is the feeling that "at that moment" we and the car are one. I believe that this search is the same in both men and women, only it travels a different road in either gender. The design of the Seat W was developed around this notion.

The first concept that gave shape to the Seat W was "Accessory": a car that would not be "just a car", but rather someting that a woman could "wear". Something that she could actually "use", capable of keeping up with her state of mind.

Form

In spite of the danger of being compared to the MCC Smart, the feature of interchangeable panels was integrated in the design. However, only the frame of the door and minor panels in the bumpers would be changeable in the case of the Seat W. It was a more appropriate descision (as opposed to make 90% of the body interchangeable), because a) it strengthened the idea of "accessory"; and b) it would be a "pack" that would lend itself more easily to be purchased more than once and be changed whenever desired.

Simultaneously, there was always the intention of building an image that would be instantly recognized as friendly and dynamic. After analysing several models of different Makes it was noticed that there are certain details that help build this image: a small front grille or even non-existent; less stretched headlights; less aggressive wheels; indicators placed more to the centre of the body. The goal was always to achieve a compact shape, that would suggest stability, coherence and safety without losing the feeling of movement - dynamics above aggressiveness.

Function

It was evident that a car designed for women could not just be about girlish aestethics. The Seat W had to integrate a set of features in order to become specific for the modern woman.

It was asked to several women what they would like the most in a car, or what they felt it was missing in most cars today.
Features like the spare tyre drawer, the opening door system and the glazed surface on the top and doors inflenced the design of the Seat W in its essence.

Detail

The seats of the Seat W were inspired by Verner Panton's "Panton Chair", for its feminine look. Its interpretation is made in the light of more aggressive edges that can be found on the Seat W.

The design of the wheels also played an important role in the whole process. The idea of "flower" influenced its shape: an alloy wheel (the petals) with its cutouts covered with plastic with the same finishing, to make the wheel seem less aggressive and more feminine.

The w logo was defined by the design of the wheels. Although it has almost the same shape, the logo resembles a flower more closely.
The shape of the "w" suggests lightness, freedom and independence - exactly the same things that a woman is to experience when driving a Seat W.

2008 - Peugeot Metropole

2008-11-18T17:45:00.001Z

5th Peugeot Design Contest
Theme: "Design a Peugeot for the megalopolis of the future"

Software: 3DS Max 2009, Photoshop, Premiere Pro 2

The megalopolis of tomorrow...

When one thinks of the future metropolis, the first picture that comes to one's mind is the stressed, energic urban life - tight schedules, dense traffic, high rise buildings. But the future city experience is not just about this non-stopping frenzy. It is also about escape, leisure and family.

The Concept

The new Peugeot Metropole is designed for the hard working familiy that likes to let go of the stress when they have a chance. Weekends, for example, are a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with the kids - go for a walk or have a pic-nic in the outskirts.

The MPV bodystyle provides the medium/large family the space, flexibility and sustainability it needs.

The Car

The Metropole has approximately 80% glazed surface, making it possible to have full visibility and road experience. The roof glass uses liquid crystal opacification and can be adjusted with the touch of a button, if less luminosity is desired.

Two large sliding doors open in opposite directions, letting the outside completely in, enhancing the experience of the MPV, not only while it is in motion, but also when stopped.

The maximum number of seats is 7, but the flexibility of the Metropole allows several seat configurations - for example, 4 seats facing eachother with a small table in the middle, or create more cargo space by folding away the second and third rows of seats.

Traffic in the city can be very stressing sometimes, so the Metropole has two storage spaces in the back, accessible from the outside, designed to carry one Segway "Human Transporter" each - you can leave your Metropole in a parking building and move around the city in your "Human Transporter".

The Metropole is equipped with "drive-by-wire" technology, which allows the steering wheel to be assigned either to the left or the right seat in the front row. This can be done by unlocking the position of the steering wheel head, which is attached to the central command unit through an articulated arm that becomes flexible when the "unlock" button is pressed. The head can then be positioned in front of the other seat and locked again. This is particularly useful to exchange drivers without having to get out of the vehicle or jump from one seat to another.

Sustainability

The Peugeot Metropole is designed with several integrated systems that make it environmentally friendly:

The whole interior rests on a flat platform that stretches from one end to another. Beneath it a Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered engine can be found. With no internal combustion engines, the Metropole is a CO2 emission-free vehicle.

The glass roof has an integrated Photovoltaic Solar Panel. The energy obtained through this panel can be used to operate electronic equipment as well as a supplement for the engine.
The PV panel also works as a solar shade, even when the opacity of the roof glass is set to "off", because of its translucid result.

The whole interior surface contributes to the optimization of thermal comfort inside the car through the use of micro-encapsulated Phase Change Materials (PCM's).
Water, for instance, freezes at 0ºC, releasing energy (i.e. heat) in the process. The reverse happens when it melts again - it absorbs energy in order to change its state. PCM's also have freezing/melting points, but located around 24ºC and 30ºC, depending on its specifications. As the interior temperature of the Metropole drops below the freezng point of the PCM, it releases heat to stabilize the temperature. The PCM absorbs the energy again if the interior temperature rises above its melting point, avoiding too high, and uncomfortable, temperatures.
The use of this nano-technology partially substitutes other climatization systems, such as air-conditioning, thus saving energy for engine performance and mileage.

(more about PCM's na Wikipedia )

All this advanced sustainable technology, working together with efficient and friendly design, make the Peugeot Metropole the perfect choice for the future urban family.

2007 - Peugeot Grasshopper

2008-11-18T17:14:00.000Z

4th Peugeot Design Contest
Theme: "P.L.E.A.S.E innovate:
Pleasurable (to drive)
Lively
Efficient
Accessible
Simple
Ecological"

Software: 3DS Max 7, Photoshop

"Re-invent the ‘Drive of Your Life’, Peugeot style and drive it the XBOX 360 VIRTUAL world!"

The Peugeot Grasshopper is an all-road sports two-seater with electric engines, one located on each wheel.

The main feature of the Grasshopper is its 'back legs':
The standard mode (the vehicle's original shape) can be used for high speed and normal parking.
The legs can also make the rear wheels reatract, forcing the whole vehicle into an 'up-right' position, particularly useful for efficient parking and slow speed.
For turning, the front section of the vehicle tilts left and right, making it possible to turn.
In an XBOX game contest, the back-legs can make the car 'leap' or 'crouch'.

2006 - Seat Hyperspace

2008-11-18T16:03:00.001Z

2nd Seat/Automagazine Design Contest
Theme: "Lifestyle"

Software: 3DS Max 7, Photoshop, Illustrator

Hyperspace (noun) : dimension where conventional spatio-temporal relations do not apply.

The new Seat Hyperspace opens the doors to a new dimension in automotive design.

In nowadays, our attitude in life can vary rather frequently, making it hard for a car to meet demands that are constantly changing, according to the situation we face.

The Hyperspace has a powerful hybrid fuel/electric engine, and is shaped with agressive and flowing lines, to meet the need for power and speed. However, it can lock both rear and front doors to become a single door which can be opened upwards and rearrange the seats, transforming the interior in a kind of deck, for leisure and family.
The completely glazed roof maximizes the interior and can be opened, if a convertible is desired.

Hyperspace is all about opening to serveral dimensions, regardless of the present time and space.
The doors of the Hyperspace normally open from the center...
... but can also open upwards, creating a kind of "deck cover"

the glazed roof can retract completely in the back, turning the Hyperspace into a leisure-oriented car.

2006 - The Far Star

2008-11-18T15:52:00.000Z

"It was not the size that was impressive - for it was rather small. It was designed for maneuverability and speed, for totally gravitic engines, and most of all for advanced computerization. It didn't need size-size would have defeated its purpose. It was a one-man device that could replace, with advantage, the older ships that required a crew of a dozen or more. With a second or even a third person to establish shifts of duty, one such ship could fight off a flotilla of much larger non-Foundation ships. In addition, it could outspeed and escape from any other ship in existence. There was a sleekness about it - not a wasted line, not a superfluous curve inside or out. Every cubic meter of volume was used to its maximum, so as to leave a paradoxical aura of spaciousness within. Nothing the Mayor might have said about the importance of his mission could have impressed Trevize more than the ship with which he was asked to perform it."
in Foundation's Edge, Isaac Asimov

Theme: Science Fiction

Software: 3DS Max 7 (renders in 3DS Max 2009), Photoshop

Inspired by Isaac Asimov's spaceship, piloted by Golan Trevize in a mission for to find planet Earth, lost in a galaxy full of inhabited planets for thousands of years, the design of the Far Star - named after the Foundation's ground-breaking spaceship - is the result os a search for less orthodox shapes, precisely because of the context of this Design exercise with a theme in the realm of Science Fiction.

Angular lines define the shape of a body divided in two main materials - plastic in the lower section and metal in the upper section, making the Far Star lookagressive and elegant at the same time.

The drivetrain is also unconventional - three wheels with rear wheel drive - and is a conceptual basis for the whole body as well. Consequently, the Far Star has a long and narrow front and a powerful rear, balanced by the two front wheel volumes.

2005 - Seat Muxía 4WD

2008-11-18T15:09:00.001Z

1st Seat/Automagazine Design Contest - 3rd Prize
Theme: "auto-emoción"

Software: 3ds Max 7, Photoshop

Located in northern Spain, in the region of Galicia, the city of Muxía has an environment that can be best described as rough. The landscape, dominated by the rock formation, called “Costa da Morte” (the “Coast of Death”), exhales an inhospitable and yet majestic ambiance, hence its nickname “The Wind’s Girlfriend”.

The Seat Muxía 4WD is autochthonous creature, moulded by the harshness of its own environment. The raw and coarse way with which it moves, balanced by lightness and ease, makes it an animal perfectly adapted to its habitat.

To meet its attitude, the new Seat Muxía 4WD has been drawn with strong and simple lines, yet melted into fluent form.

The windshield stretches from the middle to the nose of the vehicle, allowing its two occupants to have a panoramic and intimate view of the road ahead.

Access to the inside is made rotating the whole front section of the body.
The engine is located in the back and delivers power to an all-wheel drivetrain.

Award Ceremony

The Award Ceremony took place at a dinner party during the Moda Lisboa, in which we had a chance to chat with Luc Donckerwolke, then a recent adition to Seat, leaving behind Lamborghini and his beautiful creation, the Gallardo.

In the first photo - Marcelo Aguiar, Ricardo Figueiroa (the winner) e Nelson Simões (2nd prize), who won the next Seat/Automagazine contest.

2nd photo, me receving the award from Luc Donckerwolke. A great moment.

(photos taken from Automagazine, n.º 163 Dez. 2005)

2004 - Peugeot Lynx

2008-11-17T15:04:00.001Z

2nd Peugeot Design Contest
Theme: design the Peugeot of your dreams

Software: AutoCAD, 3D Studio VIZ 4, Photoshop

Also known as the Desert Lynx, the Caracal is a powerful medium-sized cat with long legs that weighs up to 70 kg, stands about 50 cetimeters at the shoulder and has an overall body length of about 1,3 meters.
It is able to take down and kill prey species over twice its body weight.
Normally active in the late day, and throughout the night, the caracal hunts rodents, birds, reptiles and other small mammals which make up most to the diet.

It runs like a cheetah, and can leap 2 meters into the air to knock down birds.

The design of the new Peugeot Lynx is inspired by the image of the Caracal, which is visible at first through the shape of the headlights - its eyes have a narrow black line that runs from the corner of the eye to the nose; as well as the rear-view camera holder that stretch along the high density glass roof - the Caracal's long and narrow ears tipped with long black tufts of black hair.
Furthermore, the strong-bodied attitude of the Peugeot Lynx and its curved body sides resemble a Caracal dashing off at high speed to hunt the prey.

The Peugeot Lynx has an agressive two-tone body paint in black and white that brings the visual weight of the design closer to the ground yet unites the design of the car and fragments it at the same time, making the whole seem lighter and more elegant.

The new Peugeot Lynx is a four-seater compact single-volume vehicle with an overall lenght of 4,45 meters and a wheelbase of 2,60 meters. Its height is 1,80 meters and it has a maximum height of 2,75 meters with doors open.

There are no conventional rear-view mirrors. Instead, the Lynx is equipped with three high-resolution cameras: two are located in each camera holder on each side of the car, on the glass roof; and one in the back, concealed behind a small strip of dark glass, above the word "Peugeot". The three images are then combined and displayed in the upper dashboard screen as a single panoramic image. The third stop light is placed in the recess of the hood, between the rear lights, emphasizing the difference between the two tones of the body.

Connected to an automatic sequential gearbox operated from the steering wheel, a hybrid gas/electric engine is located in the back of the car, delivering clean power to its rear wheels. There is, nevertheless, boot volume above the engine and also in the front.

A single long door on each side gives access to both front and back seats, which opens first by sliding away perpendicularly from the car and then rotating upward around a pivot just above the front wheel. The lower glass section of the doors increase cockpit visibility and lightness, while stressing the agressiveness of the body design.

The interior is dark-grey plastic mixed with beige leather. The central touch sensitive LCD screen provides information concerning the Global Position of the vehicle, constant electronic monitoring of vital components, fuel and battery levels and recharging, air temperature and air conditioning functions, ambient sound, among other useful reports and options.

The Lynx Logo can be found on several spots, such as seat backs, and also in the exterior, near the front wheels.

The Peugeot of my dreams for the near future has ground-breaking design and technology, with a matching feline and agressive look.