Ford Australia Refurbishes Design Centre
August 30 2012
Virtual Reality Centre one of only three in the Ford world globally
“Powerwall” allows real-world appraisal of a new vehicle
Ford has showcased its newly refurbished Design Centre at the company’s headquarters in Melbourne.
The open-plan Design Centre now also boasts a Virtual Reality Centre, one of only three in the Ford design centres globally. The other two are in Cologne, Germany and at Ford global headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.
The high-tech VRC gives the Ford Australia Design Centre world-class status and combined with the company’s engineering and powertrain expertise, is a recognised centre of excellence in the Asia Pacific and Africa region.
As part of the refurbishment of the Design Centre and addition of the VRC, a “Powerwall” has been installed for improved real-time global communication between Ford design centres.
The “Powerwall” – a 6m x 3m high-resolution screen – is capable of projecting vehicle and concept designs in three-dimensional and virtual environments to provide Ford designers in Australia and throughout the Ford global world with the ability for real-world appraisal of a new vehicle.
“The Powerwall will allow us to communicate in real time with our colleagues around the world – so we can exchange design ideas, show progress and comment on the work in Australia, in North America and even in Europe,” according to Christopher Svensson, Design Director for Ford Asia, Pacific and Africa.
Apart from the VRC, the centre now features a contemporary open-plan studio with a free-flowing floorplan that creates an atmosphere for effective communication and the exchange of ideas in a light and airy environment.
“This was a critical part of the refurbishment so the new studio could foster an inclusive atmosphere for the staff to exchange ideas,” Svensson said.
Most of the building design work was done in-house and project-managed by Ford design staff themselves to keep costs to a minimum. They contributed ideas ranging from the contemporary colour schemes to even how the open-plan offices should look.
“This not only helped contain costs but it provided another creative outlet for our designers to outfit the new facilities in a manner that was important to them,” Svensson said.
“Also, the new studio has plenty of space and natural light, which is critical for the design and development process.”
Svensson said outstanding design was one of the things that set the Ford brand apart. “Each of our vehicles has a strong design DNA that clearly says ‘Ford’,” he said.
The overall footprint of the centre has not changed but the functionality has, according to Svensson.
Emily Lai, Ford Australia’s Design Manager for Colours and Materials, was involved in colour choice for the interiors.
“It was great to have a blank canvas, an opportunity to mark a new age,” Lai said. “We wanted to create an environment of traditional and high-tech materials and finishes to capture the heritage and technical performance edge of Ford vehicles.”
Lai said the new environment had a timeless, contemporary sophistication delivered through use of materials and primarily a dark neutral colour theme.
“Interspersed with this need to create areas of ‘punch’ and inspiration are light aspects via feature walls and elements such as furniture and lighting,” she said.
“This also serves to attain the requirement to build the perfect backdrop to feature the dynamic styling and colour palettes we aim to create.”
Apart from being the home-base for the development of Falcon and Territory vehicles, the Ford Australia Design Centre also has responsibility for other global Ford vehicles.
The Design Centre – which was previously known as the Research Centre - has largely been unchanged since it was first built in 1969. The original building was opened on April 22, 1970 by the then Victorian Premier, Sir Henry Bolte.
Among the venerable vehicles that have come out of the Ford Australia design studios is the XA Falcon in the 1970s, which was the first totally Australian-designed Falcon. Apart from vehicles for the APA region, the design studio has also been responsible for the home-grown BA Falcon, Territory SUV and most recently the FG Falcon and all-new Ranger.
|
Be The First