Our Mobility Special | STYLEPARK

MOBILITY

There is hardly any other topic which polarizes as strongly as the question of personal mobility at the moment. Is the car even still a modern means of transport? And if so, should it be electrically powered? And how will the ever advancing digitalization and the autonomously driving car affect our mobility behaviour? These and other questions will be addressed in our special.

Rethinking Traffic

We take it for granted that roads and cycle paths are built to get us from A to B as quickly as possible. But does this necessarily have to be the case? And what happens if we no longer make saving time the uppermost priority in transport planning? New approaches are what journalist Thalia Verkade is pursuing in her book Movement, which she wrote together with the “bicycle professor” Marco te Brömmelstroet.

The country needs new trains

How can the design of an interior be up-to-date when new trains are on the road for at least 30 years? DB's design should attract more guests to the tracks. A strategy was developed for this purpose that is now beginning to catch on.

With the bus into the future

How should mass transit be designed to get people excited about it? Emission-free, autonomous, comfortable, elegant and futuristic? With Agora E, industrial designer Andrea Ponti is designing a vehicle of the future – and of encounters.

Multimodal Spaces

The Câble 1 (C1) aerial tramway currently being built by Doppelmayr/Garaventa in the paris area is a prime example of what sustainable transport spaces can look like.

Shaping the mobility of tomorrow

What will mobility look like in the future and what role will design play in it? We talked to Peter Eckart and Kai Vöckler, both professors at the Offenbach University of Art and Design, about sustainable transport concepts and their implementation.

A feast for the senses

With the “MINI Concept Aceman” concept car, MINI is adding a compact runabout with an unusually edgy design language to its dynamic family: a fully electric crossover model that offers a wide range of sensory features. As a study, incidentally, it also proves that an SUV does not have to be big.

Ride into the future

Floriade Expo 2022 in Almere sees itself as a showcase for a green, healthy and livable city. Part of the concept is a ropeway from Doppelmayr/Garaventa that not only provides access to the exhibition site but also gives a preview of future urban mobility concepts.

New Forms of Connectivity

In recent years, aerial tramways have increasingly been brought into play as a means of transport in urban areas. We spoke to Reinhard Fitz, Head of International Business Development at Doppelmayr, about aerial tramways for the city and the need for a new form of connectivity.

The Linking of Space

Transport expert Stefan Carsten researches the future of mobility. In an interview he explained to us why networked concepts and a holistic view of urban, suburban and rural areas are essential.

Travel in style

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita is set to revive luxury pleasure travel from 2023 with routes in Italy as well as connections from Rome to Paris, Istanbul and Split. The train design is by Dimorestudio.

Energy concepts

"The 8 X Jeff Koons," a limited-edition interpretation of the "M850i xDrive Gran Coupé," is the result of a collaboration between Jeff Koons and BMW. We spoke with BMW designer Corona Döring and press spokesman Steven Wörns about the artistic intention for the car.

Tightrope act

Seven new subway stations in Karlsruhe were completed in December 2021. The lighting concept for them was created by Ingo Maurer, whose design forms an exciting combination with the restrained architecture.

The sky under Berlin

The starry sky in Berlin's new Museum Island underground station is dotted with 6662 point-sources of light. We spoke to the Max Dudler's office about the history of the structure and the lighting concept behind it.

The sum of all parts

At this year’s IAA International Automobile Show, BMW is venturing a glimpse into the future and presenting the "BMW i Vision Circular", a concept car that seeks to unite the themes of luxury, electromobility, digitization and sustainability.

Perfect imperfection

MINI has teamed up with British fashion designer Paul Smith to design the MINI STRIP. The result shows how aesthetic and simultaneously sustainable a successful pared-down product can be.

Algae instead of diesel

To make its cars with internal combustion engines carbon-neutral, Mazda is supporting research into a biofuel made from algae.

Clean driving

Heatherwick Studio with IM Motors has unveiled a fully automated electric-powered concept vehicle that uses a HEPA filter to clean ambient air while driving.

Jörg Brüggemann – Autobahn

Jörg Brüggemann captured the German autobahn with a camera and created a contemporary document that raises questions about both the past and future of Germany’s national concrete structure.

Less is More

The idea of car-free centers in towns and cities is being discussed throughout Europe – with opinions divided for and against the idea. What do we need for a lasting change of heart? We put the question to Dr. Philine Gaffron, who researchers and teaches at Hamburg University of Technology’s Institute of Transport Planning and Logistics.

A changing city

Torsten Becker is an urban planner and chairs the Municipal Urban Planning Advisory Council. He wants to achieve a new definition of public space for Frankfurt/Main. In the interview he explains to us why he is committed to a traffic-reduced inner city and to what extent the population could profit from the concept.

On course in style

From 3D-printed cycle frames to E-BMX cruisers Stylepark presents a selection of extraordinary bicycles and accessories.

Wheels that Glide

BMW is allowing us a first look at its BMW iX. And one whole year before this SUV is set to launch its design is already the subject of much debate.

A dream of space

“MINI Vision Urbanaut” is the name of the current digital vision for a new MINI. A real new departure because the design boasts a completely different character from the models to date by this car brand.

A green conscience

Fine bag manufacturer Tsatsas has teamed up with architect David Chipperfield to design a suitcase that makes an elegant statement for travel in keeping with the times.

Electric Kartell

Car makers Fiat have collaborated with the design brand Kartell to transform the new Fiat 500 full electric into a really special one-off.

Transformer

With its “Morphoz” study, Renault presents an approach to the electromobility of the future, combining a city runaround and a luxury limousine in one.

The third habitat

The vision of self-driving cars: How will the design of vehicles change once they take over control of the driving? And when will we be along for the ride?

Totally electrified

smart is the first major manufacturer to pension off the gasoline engine and is now focusing exclusively on electromobility. Where do things go from here? We asked Daniel Lescow, Head of smart Brand and Product Management.

Between comfort and cold sweat

The view on the automobile is changing and with it the automotive industry. The branch is embracing alternative drive systems and discovering new business models for networking.

An “Open sesame” for the digital age

How will we move around buildings in future? Schindler’s answer to this question is the PORT system. It summons elevators, opens doors and likes crazy videos.

Walking on art

At the stations of the "Noord-Zuidlijn" metro line in Amsterdam, tiles from Mosa's "Quartz" collection set the direction.

Living and Driving

At motor shows, and only there, do studies go on display that never actually make it into mass production. If you’re going to dream, then in style is the motto at Renault, where the “Symbioz” concept car comes with no less than a house as the display cabinet.

Transferred benefits

Suitcase manufacturer Rimowa is undergoing a comprehensive rebranding by its new owner LVMH

Unmistakable appearance

Our interview with Oliver Heilmer, Vice President MINI Design, on the first all-electric MINI, David Bowie and the quest for maximizing quality in the tightest of spaces.

Rendezvous with the car culture

“Grand Basel” is the name of the auto salon that is setting out to attract more than just collectors and design aficionados as of next year. The concept was presented in Basel – along with the one or other dream of a car.

The hitchhiker's guide to a mobile future

“Volk ohne Wagen” (a people without a car) is the provocative title of a polemic by mobility researcher Stephan Rammler. What solutions does he actually have to offer for future mobility?

Fridges on wheels?

If car models become increasingly similar, then only the radiator grille and the marque logo remain to distinguish them.

Gems beneath your feet

For the creative design of the underground railway stations along the new “Wehrhahn” line, architecture firm Netzwerkarchitekten are making use of individually manufactured ceiling systems from Lindner.

Concrete art, underground

Düsseldorf’s new subway line with its six stations is persuasive in architectural, artistic and engineering terms.

Alibaba and the Black Cloud

The future belongs to e-mobility, that much is certain. Whereas in the Global North people are mostly complaining about low ranges, in the South an e-car’s battery can be charged using solar energy while parked.

Parking guided by invisible hands

Forget that endless driving around the block – soon cars will be finding their own parking spaces, all on their own.

Sow multistory carparks, harvest traffic

Multistory carparks are the storage medium of the automobile age. Here, traffic comes to a planned halt.

Flashy, and with a steering wheel

So what does it look like, the automobile inner world of the outer world of the world of interiors? Everyone’s talking about digitalization, yet the interior fit-outs remain surprisingly conventional.

Pocket cars

What do car keys look like in the age of digitalization? Have they finally ceased to be status symbols? We checked out a few of the latest examples at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Stilista e carrozziere: Bertone, Giugiaro, Pininfarina und Zagato

They quite literally shaped automobile design and created the one or other icon to boot: Italian car body sculptors Bertone, Giugiaro, Pininfarina and Zagato.

Tuk-tuks, daladalas and super-highways

Africa is urbanizing faster than any other continent. But tends to be forgotten in the debates on ubran mobility. Perhaps because the challenges are too great? Or perhaps because we aren’t being imaginative enough.

Sulky with a third wheel: the Bond Bug

Must a car always have four wheels? Not at all. The “Bond Bug” not only proves that three’s enough, but also has quite a sassy feel to it. But the question remains – why is it that nature has not spawned any three-legged creatures?

Auto-psy. Notes on automotive existence

It seemingly moves of its own volition, creates its own cosmos, tells us what we have to do, plays the lead in movies, has its own sound, and everything about it has to be designed: Our relationship to the automobile and the automobile to us, proves to be astonishingly diverse.

My colleague, the Robocar

Many driving instructors enjoy the driver assistance systems in today's cars. The sector is not worried that piloted driving might one day cost them their job – to the contrary actually.

“The traffic in Berlin is frustrating.”

In Berlin, traffic often is challenging. In an interview, Susi Nestraschil talks about her own ways through the urban jungle and possibilities to improve them.

Using the social status to help society

Team Seoul uses the car to promote social engagement as a status symbol in Korea.

Smart elevators as a model for autonomous transport

Elevators, that know the destination of passengers, are highly efficient. Could this principle work for cars, too? Martin Lewicki talked to Paul Friedli about driverless transport systems.

Everything in life is a game

Charlotte Malz talked to Tim Chang about gaming as part of human nature and how this can support an eco-friendly driving style.

Playing on the roads

Motivation is a central aspect of “gameful design” and intends to have a positive influence on user´s behavior.

A car for your handbag

The divisible car as a new interpretation of car sharing? Charlotte Malz talked to Prof. Fügener about concepts of future mobility.

Budapest concrete

Budapest’s fourth metro line opened this spring. Hopes of additional urban development projects are associated with this infrastructure project.

Super interfaces and super trains

Big Data, sharing systems and super-trains: At the “Mobilities in Cities” conference in New York urban planners, architects and transportation experts met to swap ideas on past, present and future mobility.

Keep your energy for after the ride

More and more city dwellers are taking to the roads on bicycles that rely on electric motors to add zest to the daily commute. Like no other, “Footloose” by Korean automotive supplier Mando is emblematic of a new generation of e-bikes poised to capture the bike market. So what has it got to offer?

Mission for agent i

Assuming the BMW’s i3 electric car is an international success, it will no doubt influence how we buy and use cars – and get from A to B – in the future. Ranges, service packages and even refueling could soon be dictated by the concepts of carmakers.

Take your dromedary to the beach

To construct a fun car you need more than a great idea and a good mood. As can be seen from a comparison between the unique “Méhari” Citroën and Jean-Marie Massaud’s concept for a Toyota “Me.We”.

Decoded DNA

In “Colour One for Mini” Scholten & Baijings have created an installation, that conceptually challenges common conventions in surrounding the car. The Dutch designer duo dissected a “Mini One”, revamping the individual parts with new colors and textures. The outcome created a space where our associations with the past and future of the automobile were free to run wild.

Keep your hands on the wheel

How great an influence does the design of a car really have on the buyer? Thomas Edelmann spoke to Adrian van Hooydank, Head of Design Development at BMW Group, about new types of cars, emotions and functionality.

Anyone who can build with peas and toothpicks must be a genius

At the age of 32 Richard Buckminster Fuller faced disaster: He was bankrupt and his infant daughter had just died. Instead of giving up, he resolved henceforth only to do things that were destined to help mankind as a whole. The fruits of his intentions are now on show at Marta Herford.

Yesterday's tomorrow

When developing new models today, existing parameters play the central role: What will be defined by statutory norms and regulations, today and tomorrow? What strategies do manufacturers and their individual brands pursue? Here is a small selection of concepts and studies which were often primarily concerned with changing notions of convenience and usage.

The Speedway into the Future

Industrial designer Christian Förg has developed a concept for electric cars called "Speedway". An electromagnetic field drives the car and charges the battery at the same time!

The pig and the racing car

In the media age racing cars not only have to be fast, they also have to look fast and stand out on the racing track thanks to colors, lines, numbers and logos. In "Go Faster" Sven Voelker illustrates that this was not always so and shows what characterizes those models with particularly successful styling.

The train is not a means of transport

The future of mobility lies in a combination of various transport systems that dove-tail with one another. Train, streetcar and underground play an important role. Transport policy in this country, however, has not yet recognized the advantages of a customer-friendly train.

Light traces and tire tracks – how the auto industry presents itself 4

There's no escaping the impression that designers, engineers and ad men like to be seen as artists. Yet experience shows that art does not sit easy with the advertising world, which rarely produces anything other than bland me-too's.

Pretty Wraps – How the auto industry sees itself, Pt. 3

Design is more than just providing styling, and the look of a car is more than just pretty wraps for it. But do the ad agencies know this, too?

All green: self portrait of the auto industry 2

For some time now, the future has been the present as far as automobile advertising is concerned: everything must be green, efficient, economical. Such harmony between Man, Nature and Machine is, however, just a sun-drenched fairy tale, and then, just sometimes, the dim, dark night.

Red wins – How the auto industry sees itself, Pt. 1

Crisis or no crisis, you will soon be able to oggle them at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt - namely all the new, beautiful, better, faster, even safer and even more fuel-efficient cars. So how does the auto industry present itself in its commercials? What instincts do they appeal to and what values do they propagate?

Creeping forward en route for the future: Design truths at the IAA

If we are to believe the grandiose announcements by the auto industry we will soon be driving highly efficiently in futuristically designed automobiles into a brave clean world. And the energy will come from a power socket. But a lot of what glitters as promises at IAA is simply not gold. But pie in the sky. And design is tailoring the new clothes and making do with the role of being the sub-servant of technology.

Electromobility: Where is the journey taking us?

The automobile industry is the focal point of the debate about climate goals and CO2 reduction. The answer to the question about the car of the future is quite clearly electromobility. Claudia Beckmann and Nancy Jehmlich spoke to three experts about which mobility concepts are currently being discussed and the technical and economic challenges that accompany them.

Electromobility: About blistering wires and clever pipework

Dare to look into the future? Each of us will drive an electric car, will charge it overnight, while at the same time the washing machine runs because electricity will be cheaper at night. How to secure power supplies during such peak periods? Claudia Beckmann spoke to David Dallinger. They discussed how the electric car of tomorrow can be integrated into renewable decentral energy systems.

Electromobility: Still filling up or already charging

The auto's future is inextricably connected to batteries. And to power sockets. What sounds so plausible and developed in the media and at press conferences, is far from ready, and instead the major challenge we face is to develop electromobility: in the form of powerful batteries.

Painting the Future

Are electric drives more a PR campaign than a serious alternative? What is currently being treated as the future face of automobility has already been around for some time. Electric cars have as yet, however, been able to establish themselves. For several reasons.

Detroit, a ruin from the automobile era – Part 1

Now that both Chrysler and General Motors have hit the wall America's auto industry seeks to reinvent itself. In Detroit, which is still a great if increasingly pale showroom of what was once world-famous auto-architecture, no one has stopped believing in the future of the US automobile.

Detroit, a ruin from the automobile era – Part 2

Detroit, the very name stands for cutting-edge industrial architecture. America's very first car factory was built her, a concrete frame structure, and it was here that Albert Kahn, the "builder of Detroit", created the Highland Park factory for the Ford "Model T", which first rolled off the production line in 1908. In a city whose future seems to be behind it, what is happening to the built monuments of the industrial revolution fuelled by automobile construction?