Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to create a zero-carbon city, leading to the development of NEOM, an innovative project that seeks to redefine urban living. One of the most remarkable areas within NEOM is 'The Line,' a city designed in a straight line rather than the usual spread-out layout. 'The Line' is an impressive structure, standing 500 meters high, 200 meters wide, and stretching over 170 kilometres. In such a unique setting, moving around becomes a challenge. This is where Volkswagen RIZE comes in. It is a new kind of transportation designed to work perfectly in 'The Line.' Unlike regular transportation, which only moves horizontally on the ground, RIZE can move in three ways: vertically up and down, horizontally along the length of the city, and even suspended in the air.
Disclaimer: This is an individual project by a student and not an official project from VW
This three-dimensional movement makes it easy and efficient for people to travel within 'The Line,' allowing them to move from one level to another smoothly. Traditional transportation systems wouldn't work well in this kind of environment, but RIZE solves this problem, ensuring that residents can get around the towering structure of 'The Line' with ease.
A Vision of the Future
The Volkswagen RIZE represents a cutting-edge approach to urban mobility, perfectly tailored for the unique environment of 'The Line' in Saudi Arabia's NEOM. The design philosophy of the RIZE is anchored in a futuristic aesthetic, characterized by innovative proportions and a commitment to minimalist design principles. From the exterior, the RIZE is a sight to behold with its tall, slender panels that accentuate its vertical movement capabilities. These panels create a sleek, modern shell around the cabin, embodying a pure and clean form with sharp, minimalistic edges. The vehicle's wide front windshield is a notable feature, enhancing the feeling of openness and providing passengers with expansive views of their surroundings, making the ride not just functional but visually engaging.
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One of the most interesting aspects of the RIZE's design is its integration with The Line's infrastructure. The rear and top sections of the vehicle have recessed areas specifically designed to dock with The Line's rail system. This feature allows the RIZE to move smoothly in a vertical direction, seamlessly interacting with the city’s distinctive vertical transportation network.
A standout element of the RIZE's exterior is the incorporation of the Badgir, a traditional Arab ventilation system. The Badgir not only facilitates natural air circulation to keep the interior cool but also serves a dual purpose as part of the vertical movement mechanism. Thin, tall pins on both sides of the RIZE engage with these rails, enabling the vehicle to move vertically and even suspend from sky bridges using an underside rail system. The combination of these features ensures that the RIZE can navigate the towering structure of 'The Line' with ease and efficiency. This innovative mobility solution promises to redefine urban transportation, making it as dynamic and adaptable as the futuristic city it serves.
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The Volkswagen RIZE's interior design is carefully crafted to match its unique vertical mobility. Every detail shows a deep understanding of the vehicle's movement, blending modern functionality with traditional design elements for an exceptional passenger experience.
One of the most innovative features inside the RIZE is its ventilation system, inspired by 'rawashin,' an architectural element from traditional Saudi Arabian homes. Rawashin, usually seen on balconies, regulate light, improves ventilation, ensures privacy, and provides shade. These features have been reimagined for the RIZE to create a modern ventilation system tailored for a vertically moving vehicle. In high-speed elevators, controlling air pressure is essential to prevent discomfort like tinnitus or ear pain. The RIZE uses a rawashin-inspired system to manage internal air pressure changes. This system has a hexagonal structure that adjusts to different pressures: it inhales air when the internal pressure is low and exhales when the pressure is high. This approach ensures passengers experience a comfortable and balanced environment, even during rapid vertical movements.
The VW's RIZE interior is also designed for openness and visibility. The wide front windshield and large side windows give passengers stunning views of their surroundings, enhancing the feeling of space and connection with the outside environment. The seating is ergonomic and luxurious, featuring high-quality materials and finishes that combine modern design with traditional craftsmanship. It includes advanced technology to further improve passenger comfort and convenience. Interactive touchscreens and easy-to-use controls are integrated into the design, allowing passengers to adjust settings, access information, and enjoy entertainment options easily. Ambient lighting, inspired by the natural light patterns of Saudi Arabia, creates a soothing atmosphere in the cabin, making every journey in the RIZE enjoyable.
Adaptable and Scenic Seats inside VW Rize
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The Volkswagen RIZE's interior is a marvel of design and functionality, with front seats engineered for vertical movement, seamlessly adapting to different scenarios. When the vehicle operates at ground level, the front seats rest on the lobby floor, providing a conventional seating arrangement. As the RIZE ascends or suspends, the seats lower to the lounge floor, offering passengers a panoramic view and a sense of seclusion. This dynamic adjustment enhances the travel experience, making it both comfortable and engaging.
The colour scheme of the RIZE's interior features shades of green and dark brown, paying homage to the traditional Arabic architecture of Jeddah. This creates a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, adding a cultural touch to the futuristic vehicle.
The rear seats of the RIZE are designed for maximum flexibility, catering to various user preferences through three distinct modes. A flexible hinge mechanism allows these seats to be adjusted effortlessly. In their fully extended position, passengers can lean back comfortably, even while standing, making it perfect for those who prefer to relax during their journey. When folded and lowered along the rail, the rear seats transform into convenient side seats, optimizing space within the vehicle. Raised in a bent position, they serve as practical side desks, demonstrating innovative use of space and catering to different passenger needs.
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This thoughtful design ensures that the RIZE's interior is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, accommodating a range of activities and preferences. Whether passengers are seeking relaxation, a panoramic view, or a convenient workspace, the RIZE delivers an exceptional and versatile travel experience.
Conclusion
Volkswagen RIZE represents the future of urban transportation. Designed for The Line, a towering city structure, RIZE offers seamless vertical and horizontal movement, changing how people get around in cities. Its thoughtful design, both inside and out, tackles the unique challenges of The Line while incorporating traditional Saudi Arabian architectural elements. As cities grow upwards, advanced mobility solutions like RIZE become essential. By combining innovation, tradition, and practicality, Volkswagen RIZE sets a new standard for urban transport, paving the way for a future where city travel is dynamic and multi-dimensional.
About Designer
Yun-joong Eo, born in 1999, is currently a student at Seoul National University of Science and Technology in Korea. Despite the absence of a transportation design curriculum at his school, he has taken the initiative to study with friends who share the same ambition of becoming transportation designers. Yun-Joong aims to become an exterior designer but is also interested in interior design. He believes that the essence of design lies not just in aesthetic appeal but in the ability to weave compelling narratives that bring new concepts to life. Firmly convinced that storytelling is key to creating innovative designs, Yun-joong aspires to introduce fresh perspectives and novel mechanisms into the design world. Ultimately, his ambition is to become a designer capable of inspiring others through groundbreaking concepts and narratives.
