Bristol AutoCulture Concept
Abstract |
Inspiration |
Method |
Result
| Presentation Video
Abstract
With the introduction of electric engines, the maintenance of a vehicle will become far less interactive. For some, this may be the ideal solution, however this disrupts the relationship between the vehicle and its user. How can we reinvent the maintenance of a vehicle to rekindle and reward the relationship between car and user?
Inspiration
The project's inspiration came from Horticulture, an industry with possibly the strongest relationship between product and user. Understanding why these consumers are willing to maintain, nurture and interact with their plants on a regular basis is something the automotive industry can learn from. Therefore this was the key inspiration to this concept.
Method
A series of techniques were used to create this concept, starting with an in-depth analysis of Horticulture and the consumers involved. This led to a comprehensive look at the change in the consumer, from mindless to mindful consumers.
Thereafter, research into new technologies available and in development today was constructed to establish the best solution, technologies such as Smart materials, Piezoelectric and inductive charging methods, were seen as a great basis to create a platform and reward the consumer with.
Using this information, the design phase began using a range of different mediums including traditional and digital sketching, group workshops, clay modelling and 3D CAD to develop a concept which embodies all the attributes established during the research phase, to create a innovation yet recognisable concept.
Result
The result uses a combination of Piezoelectric and Photovoltaic cells to create a platform that harvests energy from the surrounding environment, rewarding the consumer with the gift of free energy, which can then be used, shared or sold.
Incorporating the brand 'Bristol Cars', one of the last handcrafted car manufacturers in the industry, and staying true to the brand's heritage and core values, to create a clean, powerful yet quintessential design. Like an organic apple appears the same as a non-organic apple, the vehicle looks like a normal vehicle, however upon closer inspection you understand the potential of the concept.
The vehicle is a tool where the user can develop and learn skills, to tailor and manipulate the piezoelectric threads to maximise the amount energy harvested per journey, in turn, strengthening the relationship between the vehicle and its user. Similar to the way people share the techniques when growing fruit and vegetables, users could also share different techniques and piezoelectric set ups, creating a community and a sense of pride between the vehicle owners, thus creating an 'AutoCulture'.