Explanation from Petr:
The exhibit is an active relaxation and rehabilitation bath with special features that permit the changeability of water volume (0-410 L) and provides a pleasant form of relaxation due to its continual and smooth changes to the ergonomical shape of the structure. The bottom contour of the bath adjusts in order to conform to the required position and height of the user. The various geometrical changes to the shape enables the bath to be “shortened” for example, creating a backing for the legs in order to maximize on comfort.

For the purpose of saving on water consumption, one can simply change the depth of the bath so it becomes shallow or select a shape that is most suitable for the user. The changes to the shape of the bath floor can be modified & readjusted anytime. Another wonderful trait of the bath is that it is equally convenient for bathing children, because one can adjust a safe depth of bath, reducing risk of drowning as well as being equipped with soft finish of the base. In addition to creating minimal dimensions, the bath itself can be used as a baby changing table. Getting in and out of the bath tub is simple and effortless. There’s no need to climb over edges of the bath. This way, it is beneficial for people with physical disability or those completely immobile.

Uniquely, in this bath we can experience an unmissable feeling of soft, rippling of the bath floor during bathing or when having a massage. This is a new form of relaxation which we can daringly refer to as “kinetic therapy”. The type of technology used forms system of 10 pneumatic pistons (compressed air powering pistons) and includes inclinable segments covered with soft upholstery. This lining creates a pleasant feeling without causing pressure on the body even in the case when the bath is low filled or during the filling or draining of the bath tub. The movable segments are covered by special, highly elastic, hygienic and strong foil (used in the concept of BMW Gina. The geometric shape of the head rest can be partially changed and is also made from movable structures, covered in flexible foil. The type of material`s used are synthetic rock (e.g. ceramics, plastic shroud), glass, elastic foil.

Other systems used are classic hydro/air massaging jets capable of being rotated and powered by electric motor. The connection to mains water supply, water outlet, air and hydro massage jet is through flexible hosing. The bottom of the tub is sealed and the whole base can be raised or lowered over a flat surface of the inner side-panels of the bath. That is how water tightness is ensured.

Everything is controlled electronically with a remote control. As a result, it is possible to select filling/draining of the bath, change water temperature, adjust hydro/air massage settings (duration, intensity, cycle program) and change the shape of the bath floor whit comfortably resting in the bath tub. This is done with the help of sensor button on the display of a remote control. The geometry of the bath can be altered simply by means of accessing touch display screen on the remote control. Naturally, the program remembers previous settings and if the conditions allow, the bath immediately fulfills the command of the user. Simultaneously however, whilst making the change, the height of the water surface, its volume and temperature as well as the total water consumption is electronically monitored.

The filling of the bath is possible through water inlets positioned right beneath the head rest, whilst draining is carried out through the segment located in the middle of the bath tub. If we were to come back to the principle of shaping the bath floor, an alternative method exists, which replaces pneumatic pistons and electrically tilted segments with air pouch system (ballonet). In addition, the foil covering the surface of various segments can also be replaced with a variety of other materials available on the market, that have similar properties.

Designer : Petr Kubik

Text from John :
Imagine sleeping while you drive. This notion may sound insane, but it is very possible with the Saucer. The world today is growing at a very fast pace and will continue to do so, meaning that people will not have enough time for anything and sadly that includes our precious sleep-time. Just to mention a few, perhaps you often have late nights from work and are too tired to drive or you need to get to an appointment, which is hundreds of miles away, early as possible the next morning or maybe you were invited to a party, but too drunk to drive back home. This is where the Saucer comes in…

Of course, the vehicle is not designed for an alcoholic individual or to cure insomnia, rather it is designed for those with very busy lives that leave them with little or limited sleep time.

The Saucer is a self-driven vehicle with a single size bed arrangement, where the driver is no longer the driver and instead take the time to sleep as he/she travel to his/her destination. This unique vehicle is especially targeted at night-shift individuals who are a long way from home. Simply put, if you’re feeling too tired to drive, don’t leave home without it.

The interior is soundproof and is equipped with a set of programming consoles that self-drive the vehicle. Even when awake, while traveling to your destination, there is enough room for you to lay back and relax, and keep yourself busy. Perhaps reading a magazine or newspaper, or simply turning-on some entertainment. A medium-size cargo compartment is also integrated at the rear end of the vehicle where you can store up some of your gear, such as a briefcase or a suitcase. – inspired by the Alien Flying Saucer.

Designer : John Bukasa

Designer : Tom Mudra and Hans-Tobias Schicktanz

For its occupants, the open bodywork of the car represents highly practical solution for urban mobility through a turning required circle of only three meters and a footprint hardly larger than that of a scooter. The wheel provides easy and agile handling that ensures rarely getting stuck in the traffic, while the low center of gravity of this four-wheeler provide excellent stability.

A completely unique feature of this car is its octagonal wheel fairings that entirely cover the tires. This innovative design creates a pleasing and harmonious feeling along with its pearl-white and blue hub caps, where no one can see the wheel rotating any longer. Instead, the movements of the hub caps are only being seen, giving a silent and graceful gliding appearance along the road.

The Twizy Z.E. concept car is powered by a 20hp (15kW) electric motor that can develop 70Nm of torque, combining comfort with reactive performance at any engine speeds. It can accelerate like a 125cc bike and pulls away quickly from standstill. The car features a 75kph of top speed which may not seem a big number, but since it is designed to be used in busy traffic, it still is a fast car while cutting the traffic easily.

Designer : Renault

Victor says about Mytho :

The MYtho, is a concept car designed to be simple, but at the same time sophisticated. With inspiration from vintage cars, like the woodies, i was able to find a sustainable design solution for the side panels, which are made of compressed wood also the whole body is made of aluminum, in order to be recyclable.

The “tech” factor is in it’s OLED displays, build-in solar cells, and HUD display’s for the driver.

The form of the car is very simple, like the hot rods from the 30’s. The open wheel design, the huge front grill, and the low profile of the car, are just some indicators of this.

Designer : Victor Uribe Chacon

Aside from being just a bio-reactor and a local renewable energy source, the Eco-Pod will also be a good research incubator where scientists can examine algae species and ways of fuel extraction, including innovative methods of using low energy consuming LED lighting for modifying the algae growth cycles. This module can easily be placed to various places around Boston, infilling empty sites, examining new proposals, and creating initiatives with other communities in order to meet the growing energy requirements.

Designer : Howeler + Yoon and Squared Design Lab

Here’s short description about Grätzel panel :

“There’s a revolution going on in solar energy, which is about to become part of our daily lives in unexpected ways – appearing with multiple forms, richly coloured and with multiple functions. A new generation of solar cells has been born : thin, coloured, translucent and even flexible. The source of this revolution is EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), where Professor Michael Graetzel, inspired by plant photosynthesis, began to use molecules from colorants to transform the sun’s light into electricity. His work drew heavy praise from the scientific community, resulting in a World Technology Award. While many other technological developments have followed, designers need to take advantage of the extraordinary potential of these “dye-sensitized” solar cells. It will ultimately be up to them to fully explore the possibilities of this form of solar energy – to render us conscious of the significance of this major change.”

Designer : Léa Longis, Photographic credits to Véronique Huyghe.

Designer : Simon Enever

The concept’s touch-screen user-friendly interface and industrial design features the lower energy consuming Inter CPU and the ability of remote management, coupled with the upgradeability and adaptability of the hardware design, representing operational savings and reduction in total cost of ownership. With this modular architecture, retailers will be able to configure the features and the styling of the system and can reach the customers through more touch points. Also, the design will provide the opportunity to boost revenue through intelligent cross-selling tools, digital signage and targeted ads.

With this concept, customers will get personalized and heightened shopping experiences according to their needs, whether they want to check product recommendations and reviews, store information or sales, all they can have through this high-tech, self sufficient and intelligent system. Thus, customers will get an efficient, informative and streamlined real life shopping experience while remaining in touch of the convenience of online shopping.

Designer : FrogDesign

Designer : Vipin George