In today's fast-paced world, adaptability and sustainability are paramount. Imagine a mid-size SUV that seamlessly transforms to meet the ever-evolving needs of the driver and the environment. This innovative vehicle prioritized sustainability and efficiency and aimed to deliver an unparalleled, immersive driving experience. It represented a groundbreaking concept of a car capable of seamlessly transforming to accommodate the driver's changing requirements and adapt to the ever-shifting environmental conditions. This vision drew inspiration from a fusion of Japanese Culture, its underlying philosophies, and the inherent values embedded within Mitsubishi's design DNA.

Understanding the Japanese design philosophy and Culture

To embark on this design journey, the team of 3 students from IED initiated their efforts by delving into an in-depth exploration of the Mitsubishi brand. This research encompassed the historical formation of the brand, the iconic cars it had produced, the evolution of its design language and DNA over the years, and any other insights that could serve as valuable inputs for their project. Armed with this foundational knowledge, they posed a fundamental question: "What factors shape our surroundings—past, present, and future?" The answer crystallized as "change" - a constant driving force in the ongoing evolution of our world.

Since Earth came into existence, change has remained an immutable facet of our existence, accelerating with time. The team aimed to create a vehicle that gracefully embraces this inevitability, adapting seamlessly to its driver's changing needs and dynamic environmental conditions. This concept led to the pivotal decision to make "morphing" the cornerstone of their design.

The team primarily drew inspiration from Japanese Culture and explored the rich tapestry of Japanese philosophies, principles, and architectural nuances. They discerned two distinct facets of Japanese Culture: one characterized by tranquillity and Culture, representing a peaceful and harmonious way of life, and the other exuding boldness and confidence, embodying a strong and unwavering spirit akin to a warrior's ethos. These dual aspects of Japanese Culture served as the wellspring of inspiration, shaping their project's exterior and interior design elements.

During their deep dive into Japanese design philosophies, the team uncovered several profound concepts that became fundamental building blocks of their design. These included "Wabi Sabi," which celebrated the beauty of imperfections and the impermanence of life; "Ma," emphasizing the strategic use of negative space with the principle that less can be more; and "Yugen," highlighting the profound and mysterious beauty found in the simplicity of everyday life.

The Design Phase

Further research led the team to identify India as the target market for their project, aligning their design direction to cater to the preferences and needs of this diverse and dynamic market. With a solid foundation, the team commenced the design phase, sketching various iterations with the Japanese philosophies and the concept of morphing at the forefront of their creative process. They explored many ideas, envisioning how the car could seamlessly morph to adapt to different scenarios. 

Gradually, they honed in on core design volumes that resonated with their vision. To gain a deeper understanding of how the morphing concept would manifest in three dimensions, the team ventured into 3D modelling early, enabling them to grasp the intricacies of morphing and its limitations. They meticulously examined surface dynamics, proportions, and functionality, intermittently returning to sketching when uncertainties arose.

Conclusion

In sum, this project represented a harmonious fusion of diverse inspirations, merging the adaptability of a morphing design with the grace and wisdom drawn from Japanese culture and design philosophies. It sought to bring forth a transformative mid-size SUV that would not only meet the ever-changing needs of its users but also pay homage to the imperfections and mysteries of life, echoing the beauty of simplicity and the strategic use of negative space, all while catering to the dynamic market of India.

About Designers

The team comprises Abhishek Agarwal, Ashpreet Singh, and Yash Goel. Over the past several months, they have been collaborating to develop their bachelor's thesis project. Recently, they graduated from IED – Istituto Europeo di Design in Turin, Italy. Ashpreet Singh hails from Punjab, India, and is 22 years old. His primary interests lie in advanced exterior design and 3D modelling. Yash Goel, a 20-year-old from Indore, India, shares a strong passion for exterior design and visualization. As for Abhishek Agarwal, he was born in India and has nurtured a deep fascination for cars and aeroplanes since childhood.