Suzuki Machi is an innovative and visionary thesis project developed by Roberto Eula in collaboration with Suzuki during the final three months of studies at IAAD in Turin, Italy. This project aimed to synthesize the academic journey while addressing the specific needs of a user persona or community. Suzuki's design philosophy, centred on human needs, inspired the creation of a compact urban vehicle tailored for the European market.
Reimagining Personal Transportation in the 15-Minute City
As urban environments evolve, traditional cars become less essential, giving way to micro-mobility and shared vehicles. The goal of the Suzuki Machi project was to reimagine personal transportation within this context. The term "Machi" derives from the Japanese word for "city," but it also serves as an Italian nickname for "macchina" or automobile.
The concept of the 15-minute City, pioneered by the French geographer and urban planner Carlos Moreno, emphasizes the importance of proximity in urban living. The idea is to create cities where residents can access all their daily needs within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This context was the driving force behind the Suzuki Machi project, which aimed to rethink personal transportation in a rapidly evolving urban environment.
Interior Design: A Fusion of Functionality and Inspiration
The interior of the Suzuki Machi was thoughtfully designed to accommodate Bruno's lifestyle. With two distinct areas, the front of the vehicle features a dashboard with a removable steering wheel and a wireless charging surface. The rear seats rotated 180°, creating a triangular-shaped backrest, defining the unique theme of the vehicle.
A desk in front of the rear seats provides Bruno ample space to design tattoos for his clients, merging his passions seamlessly with functionality. The formal inspiration for interior design drew from Japanese architecture and minimalism, creating a simple yet welcoming environment that fosters creativity and belongingness.
Exterior Design: Innovative Form and Function
The exterior of the Suzuki Machi complements the interior module, presenting two distinct areas. A skateboard platform is a foundation for the internal module, akin to how a running shoe's sole supports the upper and the runner's foot. The vehicle's headlights extend along a visible frame element, wrapping around the module and contributing to the overall aesthetic.
Suzuki's signature front grilles inspired the broken yet curved line in the top view. The triangular shape is reflected in the front and rear air intakes, wings at the rear, and the strategically placed cameras on the front wheel arch.
Dimension and Colour
The final dimensions of the Suzuki Machi stand at 4120w x 1900l x 1500h, ensuring it fits seamlessly in urban environments. The primary colour choice, a vibrant variant of Suzuki's "Rush Yellow," adds a touch of energy and personality to the vehicle.
In conclusion, the Suzuki Machi project successfully encapsulates the essence of the 15-minute City, reimagining personal transportation with a focus on human-centric design. Designed to cater to the needs and passions of a specific user persona, Bruno, the vehicle strikes a perfect balance between form and function, embracing the urban landscape and reflecting the spirit of a dynamic city like Paris. With the Suzuki Machi, the future of compact urban mobility looks promising, where personalized vehicles blend seamlessly with the ethos of sustainable living and proximity-driven urbanism.
About Designer
Roberto Eula, a 21-year-old from Turin, northern Italy, pursued his childhood dream of becoming an automotive designer after completing his education at a scientific high school in the same city. He enrolled at IAAD "Istituto di Arti Applicate e Design" to turn his passion for design into a career.
Apart from his focus on automotive design, Roberto's love for the field extends to exploring various other aspects, such as travelling and visiting exhibitions and museums. He sees himself as an experimenter who readily embraces fresh challenges and is open to different perspectives.
