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11 RCA Students Design The Future Of Bentley. The Aero-Ace Project Finalists.



above: The Mirage, design proposed by David Seesing.

I noticed a story on a student design project for Bentley at the UK's Royal College of Art called the Aero-Ace in the always fabulous Wallpaper magazine. Definitely worth sharing, and adding to as well. The text and images below are from their January, 2010 issue, plus I've added some video and additional images and sketches from the artists.

The challenge:
"Explore a new Aerodynamic lead design direction for Bentley, develop a digital design for a Bentley coupe that speaks to lean mid 21st century tastes, and that truly embraces aerodynamics to both reduce energy consumption and form part of a future Bentley design aesthetic."



Bentley's Aero-Ace project
Sam Livingstone, senior tutor in vehicle design at the Royal College of Art recently noted, ‘We are seeing a return to the prominence of aerodynamics, and the aerodynamic look, to both deliver and visually convey efficiency.”

This was the initiative behind Aero-Ace, a collaborative design project, just completed with Bentley - the objective being to explore a new aerodynamic design direction for the luxury marque. Second year RCA students were asked to identify a new vehicle direction for Bentley that would appeal to the ecologically conscious consumer.


above: design by Rui Guo

Aided by specialist EXA evaluation software PowerFlow, their two-dimensional design proposals for a conceptual coupé needed to embrace aerodynamics in order to both reduce energy consumption and form part of a future Bentley design aesthetic.

The software simulates the aerodynamics of design at a digital model stage. The advantage being that it enables two-dimensional models to be accurately tested for their aerodynamic performance without having to make an actual real-life car.

The 11 participating students came up with very different proposals, with aero performance results ranging from CD 0.167 to 0.35. Livingstone notes: ‘There are no two that are thematically similar despite all being large Bentley coupés.’ The degree to which aerodynamics plays a role depends on the marque, although Livingston has noticed a growing trend in considering aero performance at the early stages of design.

Exacting customers now expect their cars to have unwavering stability in all conditions, offer refined driving and the sort of speeds that 20 or so years ago would have applied only to purist sports cars. ‘So aerodynamics in car design is unarguably more important than ever. However, some companies still consider aerodynamics only at the end of a programme where they merely tweak details,’ says Livingstone.

The winner will be announced on 4 February and will spend six months working at Bentley.


above: Shawn Deutchman, 26 from the US

Deutchman has proposed the Silhouette, an electric car that announces its power through a long bonnet and muscular rear stance. ‘Like a sprinter leaving the blocks, the vehicle has a forward momentum,’ he says.


above: Anand Krishnan, 29 from India

‘Bentley is associated with power and style, which I interpret as refined aggression,’ explains the designer. The second skin works as a layer to channel air away to the rear for improved aero performance.


above: Augustin Barbot, 26, from France

Barbot has created an aerodynamic sports car with very thin wheels, featuring four wind turbines integrated in the wheel arches to provide the batteries with electricity. The double curved roof minimises air resistance. ‘The two-part retractable roof allows the seats to move into three different configurations: the driving position of a speedster, a coupe and a roadster, all in one car,’ says the designer.


above: Dalibor Pantucek, 26, from the Czech Republic

The Spitfire was inspired by Bentley’s airplane engine-making heritage – the teardrop body shape taking direct cues from aviation. The hidden wheels work like aircraft wings helping with down force


above: David Seesing, 26 from Germany

The Mirage is a 2+2 seater electric concept car, aimed at a younger buyer. ‘With only two eyes, the Mirage shows its real identity when the blacked out headlights are switched on,’ says Seesing. ‘The vertical orientation of the lights takes inspiration from Bentley’s historic 8-litre car.’


above: Gabriel Tam, 27 from Australia

The Speed VI aims to revive and celebrate the sporting heritage of Bentley Motors. ‘Following in the footsteps of the original Speed 6, 4½ -litre, and more recently the Speed 8 Le Mans racer, the Speed VI is created for the discerning Bentley track day enthusiast,’ says Tam.


above: Jong Won Lee, 33 from South Korea

The N(Neo fire) has been inspired by the post-neoclassical period, says the designer who has covered the wheels for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.



above: Miika Heikkinen, 26, from Finland

TEN11 is inspired by the number of feathers in the Bentley logo - 10 on the left, eleven on the right. Heikkinen designed the electric prototype with a professional kite boarder in mind. ‘The traditional long bonnet creates a possibility to have a big storage place under it - a feature demanded by a lot of Bentley customers,’ says the designer.


above: Niki Merriman, 24 from the UK

Insects were the inspiration behind Nodus, with its overlapping layers on the body panel. Merriman has covered the rear wheels to aid the aerodynamics. When stationary the side windows have the ability to change to the same colour as the body for security and privacy. When the vehicle is in use the colour bleeds away to a clear window.



above: Philipp Siebourg, 30 from Germany

‘My mid-engine vision is influenced by Bentley’s racing tradition,’ says Siebourg. The teardrop cabin guides airflow to the rear, the diffuser manages to reduce the lift of the vehicle in the back, plus the low bonnet cuts back on turbulence at the front of the vehicle.


above: Rui Guo, 22 from China

The Serenade GT is an electric sports car inspired by jewellery. The two channels between the hood and front wheels guide airflow through the body to the side, for reduced air drag. Guo explains: ‘The structure at the rear end naturally forms a two-layered diffuser, increasing the down-force from the airflow.’

Now, some additional images of the work not found in Wallpaper, courtesy of the artists:

Sketches of the Bentley Aero Ace project by designer Dalibor Pantucek who was inspired by Bentley's airplane heritage:



Sketches from Round II of the Bentley Aero Ace Project by designer Miika Heikkinen:


Kketches of the Bentley Aero-Ace project by Augustin Barbot:


Additional designs for the project by Philipp Siebourg:



Additional designs for the project by Gabriel Tam:



And a video of 27 year old designer Gabriel Tam's Bentley Aero Ace - Speed IV Concept Car

Inspired by the original Speed 6 driven to victory by the Bentley Boys of the 20s'at Le Mans, the Speed IV concept is an overtly sporting vehicle with the raw aggression of a pure blood racer, whist retaining the refined elegance of past Bentleys. -Gabriel Tam:
Many of these same talented students were noted in Dezeen's 2008 article on design concepts for the EuroK- Car Bentley Fan? Then check out these Bentley Art pieces by their own design team.

May The Force Be Fashionable. The ADIDAS 2010 Star Wars Collection.



Star-crossed Branding - ADIDAS & STAR WARS

adidas brand and Lucasfilm Ltd. have released a new collection of kicks and clothes inspired by the now over 30 year old George Lucas film, Star Wars. It took a long time for the collaboration to come to fruition but the collection is now hitting stores. With shoes (for both men and women), T-shirts and hoodies, the products feature everything from Stormtrooper Sneaks to a caped Darth Vader hoodie. Definitely for the die-hard fan.

Think You're Too Old For The Coachella Music Festival? Not If You Stay In These.




Too old to spend three days outdoors in the desert listening to loud music amongst rolling teens? Not if you bunk in one of these babies.

Luxury Safari Tents are now offered as onsite lodging at the annual Coachella music festival for those who don't wish to sleep in crammed nylon tent, a sleeping bag, the back of a car, or use their jacket as a pillow, flick bugs off their bodies or pee in a hole in the ground.

Safari Tent Rentals For On-Site Lodging At The Coachella Music Festival



This is the only way to obtain an all access pass to Coachella (unless you know one of the bands). This exclusive area will include, your own separate check-in location, fully furnished shakir style tents with air conditioning, restrooms & showers, golf cart shuttles to and from stages, free private parking lot, drop off area, breakfast and late night snacks, added security, outdoor chairs, shade tents + outdoor lighting, games and more

They don't come cheap, but they are certainly a memorable, romantic and comfortable way to experience the festival. Oh, and did I mention they don't come cheap?
Pricing:
$5000 (+ applicable charges) for the first 2 people.
$1000 for each additional person to stay in your tent.

Fully furnished awaiting your arrival. (2 person, includes festival access)



There are only a limited amount of these (2 person) Shikar style tents being made available. Access to this area will be solely limited to Safari tent wristband holders. These are the highest end of elegance and sophistication with luxury interiors, fully furnished for your choice of either sleeping or lounging.

Sleeping tents come with choice of two twin or 1 queen size bed, linens, tables, flooring, pillows, chairs, AIR conditioning, electrical outlets and more. (you can bring that laptop!)




•Purchasing these special luxury accommodations includes 2 ALL ACCESS "Main Stage" wristbands with special shuttles taking you inside the venue.

Festival wristbands and tent assignment (1st come first serve) will be distributed onsite at the Onsite Lodging area.

Safari Tent Rules & Info:

* All lodging attendees MUST be 18 years of age or older & have a valid I.D.. or accompanied by parent or legal guardian.
* Safari Tents open at noon on Thursday 4/15/10.
* There will be on-site security at all times as well as first aid stations open 24/7.
* All Safari Tent attendees are subject to search upon entry.
* Safari Tent attendees may visit the other onsite camping areas however onsite campers will not be allowed into the Safari Tent area.
*
Feel free to bring your own food and beverages into onsite lodging. Please visit the bottom of the Car/Tent camping page to review the rules for onsite camping.
* No glass containers, weapons, drug paraphernalia or drugs allowed.
* No animals will be allowed in onsite lodging.
* Safari Tent attendees are expected to behave in a manner that is courteous to other lodgers. Noise curfew at 2:00am.
* Venue/Promoter are not responsible for any materials misplaced, lost or stolen. It is recommended you don't bring valuable items or if you do, please lock them in your car for safety.
* Damages to Safari Tents will be billed directly to your credit card.




Call 888.833.1031 TO BOOK THIS PACKAGE ($1000 for each additional person staying in your tent.)

Coachella Music Festival, 2010- April 16, 17 and 18


images and info courtesy of Valley Music Travel


This year's Coachella 2010 line up:

•more information about reserving the tents here
•Coachella 2010

Note: this post was inspired by my friend, Rich Siegel, and his fondness for yurts. He probably is too old for Coachella, but he writes a brilliant and hilarious blog. Check it out:


Round Seventeen



12 Barbie Basics Get Glammed Up By Famous Fashion Designers.



above: Barbie Basic model no.5 before and after being styled by Justin Guinta for the launch

Mattel recently introduced the Barbie Basics doll collection; 12 different Barbie® dolls, each dressed 'down' in a different, but all black, dress. Simply named model no.1, model no.2 and so on, the hair, skin, eye color, features and stances vary with each doll. You can then purchase "look" sets that include accessories for the dolls.




To launch this new collection, Mattel had 12 top CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) fashion and accessory designers dress the dolls in their own inimitable style, as in model no. 8 shown below left and then as styled by Alexis Bittar, below right.



The styled, dressed and accessorized dolls will then be auctioned on ebay with proceeds benefiting the CFDA. The auction goes live on January 28 (tomorrow) at 10pm EST and runs through February 7. To bid, visit the ebay auction here.



Below are close-ups of the 12 new Barbie Basics dolls (as sold) followed by the designer dressed versions for the launch:

model no.1 and model no.2:


model no.3 and model no.4:
 


model no.5 and model no.6:
 
 

model no 7 and model no.8:
  

model no.9 and model no.10:
  

model no.11 and model no.12:
 
above images of Barbie basics courtesy of Barbie Collector

Thanks to Glam and the blog GlamChic , I can show you images of all of the 12 Mattel Barbie Basics Dolls dressed by the designers for the ebay auction.

Isaac Mizrahi dolls up model no. 1 and Monica Botkier dolls up model no.2:


Deborah Lloyd of Kate Spade dolls up model no.3 and Philip Crangi dolls up model no.4:


Justin Guinta dolls up model no.5 and Albertus Swanepoel dolls up model no.6:


Lorraine Schwartz dolls up model no.7 and Alexis Bittar dolls up model no.8:


Betsey Johnson dolls up model no.9 and Rachel Roy dolls up model no.10:


Devi Kroell dolls up model no.11 and Tory Burch dolls up model no.12:
 

Shop the Barbie Basics Doll collection here.
Sign up for the ebay auction here.

Related Posts:

•Barbie Gone Bad. Works From The 7th Annual Altered Barbie Exhibit

•Barbie Rocks The Runway At New York's Fashion Week

•The Karl Lagerfeld Barbie & Ken Photos For The Colette Celebration & More

•Michael Loves Jonathan Adler And They Both Love Barbie.

•A Mattel Goldie Hawn Laugh-In Barbie? You Bet Your Sweet Bippy!

•What Do Heidi Klum, Louboutin, Debbie Harry, Joan Jett & Cyndi Lauper Have In Common?

•Sorry Barbie, But Compared To Mooqla Dolls, You're Just PWT*

•Noel Cruz: Improving Dolls. One Face At A Time.

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