HOW COULD A CARAVAN AND IT’S INTERIOR WORK FOR THE SMALL ELECTRIC CAR MARKET...
Caravan interiors are one of the most complex areas to design, requiring maximum compatibility in a very small space. This project was based around understanding packaging and functionality.
Although this was primarily an interior study, a vehicle brand was used as inspiration for an exterior. For this brief, the 2018 Nissan Leaf was chosen. As an electric car with a minimal style this became a challenge to replicate the design cues and also create a streamlined silhouette that aerodynamically wouldn’t impact the range of the vehicle.
INTERIOR DEVELOPMENT
To form the interior areas of the caravan, the basic utilities were first created before beginning to shape them to the developing space given by the exterior.
Initial interior concepts focussed on the connection between shapes and space optimisation, making sure overhead space (the least utilised area) was best used as well as keeping space for the user to move around and make their own.
Next, any functionality that would benefit the part was looked into - in this case storage was key.
The extensive research and functional development lead to a modern final interior that was fully focussed on the needs of the user as well as providing a few unique qualities.
SLEEP SETUP
For when the user is either sleeping or relaxing, the bed can be set down and the tv used. The bed is also used as the seat for the work table.
Work SETUP
To make more space for working, the bed can be folded up and also used as an easel to work on paintings.
EXTERIOR
The styling of the caravan matches the minimal cues of the towing Nissan. Many of the character lines continue off the vehicle and the height has been reduced as much as possible to ensure there isnt a large amount of drag.
The caravan has also been equiped with a battery pack that runs along the floor. As well as powering the interior, it can also be used to recharge the vehicle
DEVELOPMENT
Formerly known for its loopy, curvaceous styling, the new model is more measured this time around, with design cues that show the influence of Nissan’s emerging ‘Emotional Geometry’ design language and detailing. Like the Murano and Maxima, the Leaf now features a broken C-pillar motif and a floating roof.
Familiar Nissan design features include the signature boomerang-shaped lamps and V-motion flow in the front. The flash-surface grille in clear blue and the rear bumper’s blue molding emphasize its identity as a Nissan EV.
SAND MODELLING
As an exercise in exterior development, a low fidelity sand model was created. The use here was to understand how each surface would interface with each other, but with the key benefit that it would only take a couple of hours to form the shape.
PACKAGING
Running alongside the interior development, package drawings validated the space to ensure the occupant could move around freely. The overall height of the package was dictated by the 95th percentile male.
The dimensions and location of each interior item were finalised using these drawings, this work also contributed to the idea that the fold-down bed could also be used as the chair for the desk, thus reducing the overall amount of items needed.
