SABIC & RCA reveals winners of VISIcON Automotive contest

Quinlan’s award-winning ‘ENOPE’ model in the individual vehicle design category cleverly uses SABIC’s materials to enhance functionality and improve aesthetics. This includes using the lit-up edges of the vehicle’s LEXAN glazing as innovative lighting units for forward lighting and rearward and side marking.

His model follows a deep sea, bioluminescence-inspired lighting theme and is based on a highly creative interpretation of the materials research of Textiles Design student Sofie van Aelbroeck (Belgium), a teammate of Quinlan’s in the group exercise and runner-up in the materials research category.

Individual runner-ups Brown and Russell impressed the jury with their models and underlying research. Brown produced an electric sports coupe concept which is highly customizable through the smart use of advanced 3D printing technology. Both the exterior and interior panels contain lighting elements to achieve new design functionality and lighting is used to communicate information about the state of the vehicle and its movement both to the driver and others. Russell’s approach was entirely different. His vehicle, in the form of meticulously folded transparent sheets, focused mostly on the use of natural light and led to the discovery of a new and highly innovative formal design language, which inspired many of his peer students throughout the course of the VISIcON competition.

The winning team of Andlauer, Peugeot, Benhabib and Haye adopted the ‘Hypereality’ (hyper reality) theme. They combined three highly individual designs into one sculptural vision that uses lighting to enhance natural elements like wind and rain and create the impression of vehicle speed.

They developed two sculptural forms: a 3D-printed mobility form; and a larger, UV-enhanced transparent sculpture enabled by VISUALFX resins from SABIC, which adds illumination and depth. This larger model is beautifully supported by tensioning yarns to further underline its sense of strength and spirit of movement.

Haye earned acclaim in the material research category by weaving plastic light guides as yarn into premium textile patterns. The combination of materials, illuminated by a powerful light engine, produced a high-value light effect that is both beautifully intricate and original.

SABIC awarded study bursaries to the individual award winners and runner-ups. Students from the winning and runner-up teams received Apple iPads.

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation