The executive director of the spaceport Steve Landeene said “Its real and you are definitely not talking about drawn things on paper anymore.” The spaceport is envisioned to work as an airport with different routes where aerospace companies will lease building and hanger space. Spaceport America is not just about space tourism, additionally, it will also include other business ventures like communication projects and medical research. According to the state officials, the site will facilitate around 500 construction jobs and will spark the economic development, tourism and education for generations. The runway of the project is estimated to finish next summer and the hanger and terminal should be prepared for tenants during the end of 2010.

Designer : URS/Foster + Partners

More information about crescendo from Jessica:
This is a flashlight designed for those in public service. (police / emt’s) I spent a great deal of time researching the environment which this would be used along with the individuals it is designed for.

The flared head elegantly opens the lens for an elliptical beam of light. This profile is easily removed and placed into the holster without being snagged or stuck on the form. The elliptical pattern of the light matches human peripheral vision. By utilizing this shape, the user can be more aware of their surroundings with a smaller light. It takes full advantage of the natural night vision of the user and enhances it.

The flashlight has 2 power switches. One on the tailcap- and a 3-way on the barrel. The 3-way switch is used to select the light mode- Green, Red and super bright white. The green light is very useful in chaotic / emergency situations such as a car accident. The green light prevents night blindness while still permitting the user to identify colors which can be extremely important ( blood vs oil). The red light is less visible to others and used for a low profile stealth situation. The red light- and elliptical beam simply enhances the users natural night vision to give them more feedback on their surroundings and more control. The super bright white light is for common use of the flashlight- as well as situation control by creating night blindness for a person that may be a threat.

The 3-way power switch allows for immediate selection of the color mode without cycling. The switch on the tailcap controls the white light as a constant-on (press to click) or a ‘blink’ on for quick flashes controlled by the user.

The rubber grips are very important. They 1 keep the users hand off the metal which could be cold especially in the winter. The grip has a cut-away shape filled with thin strips. This shape makes less cumbersome for female users with smaller hands to have complete control of the tool. Also- at the end of the cut-away, there is a tapered lip. This lip provides a great security during the ‘cigar hold’ by providing the user a stop.

Due to the nature of limited advertising to these groups, the logo and name are permanently molded on the flashlight itself through the grip features. This creates a strong brand identity. The rubber is also receded from the very tip of the lens area, revealing more metal. This is so it may still be used as a weapon in emergencies, causing enough damage- or creating enough time so the user (police) can access a better more sophisticated weapon for the situation.

Designer : Jessica LoVerso

Text from David:
Transportation is a key factor in our urban environments and most of our cities are now developed to match the scale and needs of cars, and car users. This reality raises issues regarding sustainability and environment, energy consumption and quality of life.

So, “How can public and personal transports be redefined in a sustainable way, delivering a sense of personal space and independence to its users?” This was the title of my Master of Science in Design and Transport Thesis, concluded in Coventry University, UK, with Distinction, in September 2008.

In other words, the aim of this project was to develop guidelines and a holistic solution for a new system of urban transport, composed of vehicle and infrastructure, in a sustainable way and adaptable to various urban environments.

To develop the project I needed information about: user’s behaviors and explanations for them; main trends; analysis of existing solutions and identification of their problems; definition of applicable technologies in a sustainable manner in a near future. This information was gathered through an online questionnaire, statistical data from several sources, literary research, internet articles, pictures, video and expert interviews and then compiled in my final report.

Preliminary research indicated that several attempts to tackle the issue of mass transportation are being tested and implemented throughout the biggest cities on Earth. Several solutions exist already, but people always seem to give preference to a personal vehicle of some kind to move, commute or make quick trips. Only when there is no other choice, people seem to engage in public transportation. Personal transport is the preferred mode of use and this is a trend that keeps increasing.

The conclusion of the thesis report was composed of guidelines and design specifications that served as basis for the development of a new type of transportation that is truly sustainable and that meets people’s requirements. This generic solution was exemplified through a typical design project that will act as future reference and that goes by the name of “SCARAB”.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
VEHICLE:
- The vehicle allows users to have freedom of use much like a motorcycle but with the convenience of having an enclosed private space and luggage compartments.
- The vehicle can be operated in several different positions depending on speed. It is parked vertically for easy ingress and egress and optimization of public space. When in speed position, the vehicle also tilts when curving or changing direction.
- When circulating in dedicated pathways, the SCARAB is controlled by a centralized computer or by a traffic management centre. Outside of the dedicated pathways the SCARAB is controlled by the user just like any other vehicle.

VEHICLE SPECS:
-The vehicle is composed of interchangeable modules that can be customized by the potential buyer/user.
-Powerpack module composed of a permanent battery plus 3 options for the main energy pack (battery, biofuel ICE or a fuel cell).
-4 wheel drive through electric brushless in-wheel motors with directdrive.
-Wheels with regenerative braking through EW Brakes.
-Drive by wire and tactile HUD embedded in the Lexan canopy.
-Structural elements in Carbon-Aramid composite.
-Embedded sensors, Lidar, radar, transponders, GPS. These serve to exchange information with the system, with other drivers and to have precise location data.

INFRASTRUCTURE:
-Communication nodes spread through roadways and traffic management centres in major conurbations.
-Dedicated paths with electromagnetic transponders embedded in the road.
-Parking facilities with solar/wind power generators.
-High speed/long distance travel provided through a railroad interface (not yet developed).

SYSTEM:
-Renting of the vehicle or modules that allows for a private/public/mixed utilization and transport access for people with less financial resources.
-Doesn’t need new infrastructures (uses the existing roads).
-Is backward compatible with current transport systems and uses current day technologies.

Designer : David Miguel Moreira Gonçalves

Jamie Tomkins took on the bottom level and looked at the ubiquitous Chinese bicycle as a starting point for his design. His hybrid bicycle has a metal and plastic frame with plastic detachable parts that can be changed to create a unique style. The use of plastic means the hybrid is lighter and with interchangeable parts it is more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Designer : Jamie Tomkins

Mosaic Tajine for Morocco

Mosaic Karhai – India

Mosaic Wok for China

Mosaic Fajita for Mexico

Designer : Doshi Levian