TOKYO, Japan (December 20, 2007) A year-long series of the Nissan Design Forum & 'Imagination Factory' Exhibition in Asia came to an end on December 16th in its final destination, Hong Kong.
Having crossed seven countries, Nissan has worked in close collaboration with some of the local design councils and schools to bring this regional event to fruition - the first time a major auto manufacturer actually demonstrated the intricacies of automotive design to both aspiring students and the public.
The Nissan Design Forum, since its premier in Singapore in August 2006, has taken place in 7 cities this year, including Taipei, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Bangkok.
"It is our delight to have given these students so many opportunities and ways to appreciate automotive design and to feel the Nissan design philosophy. We are impressed by the enthusiasm of the younger generation in Asia. I hope they will maintain their passion and continue to pursue their dream to be a car designer in near future.," said Tsunehiro Kunimoto, the General Manager, Global Design Management of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
Highlights of each event are described as follows:
Showcases - design panels and quarter scale models
As part of the Nissan Design Forum, an "Imagination Factory" exhibition was held concurrently to showcase Nissan's design philosophy and the creative development processes necessary in designing a car. Opened to both students and members of the public, the exhibition tells the behind-the-scene story of automotive design.
| overview of exhibition Singapore, Aug. 2006 |
Presentation by Nissan designers
Nissan's designers from our design studios in Japan, Europe, USA, and Taiwan presented the global organization, philosophy and workings of Nissan's design globally. Students learned how designers work locally to integrate local flavors and tastes into global recipes.
| Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President of Nissan Design Europe Singapore, Aug. 2006 |
Panel discussion with local designers
Designers from various fields gathered in this forum, which serves as a discussion platform for them to exchange their ideas and inspire one another on topics as varied as "Functional design and emotional design".
| Panel discussion Taiwan, May 2007 |
Clay modeling demonstration
One of the sessions which attracted many students was the clay modeling demonstration. Nissan skillful clay modelists showed the ways to create a clay model based on designer's sketch. Students were very excited to learn the importance of human skills, emotions and sensibility of technique for clay modelists.
| Shuichi Otsu, clay modelist from Nissan Design Center Hong Kong, Dec. 2007 |
Student interactive workshop
Students presented their designs based on the specific themes such as "Concept vehicles in 2030" to Nissan's designers. Students were inspired by designer's tips and individual inputs for their works.
| Student workshop Thailand, Nov. 2007 |
*For more information about this forum, please visit the following website.
(http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/DESIGN/index.html)
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