BYD ‘Home from Home’ recognised at world-renowned iF DESIGN AWARDS
BYD, the world’s leading eBus manufacturer, has picked up an impressive category win at the coveted and globally-recognised iF DESIGN AWARDS.
The commendation, in the public transport category, was awarded to BYD’s 12-metre model – Europe’s best-selling electric bus – and specifically for its innovative ‘Home from Home’ design concept.
BYD 12-metre ebus model – ‘Home from Home’ design concept
Home from Home – a ‘Vision in Product’ design
BYD’s ‘Home from Home’ concept is the result of careful consideration of the future of vehicle electrification, placing it into the context of a true passenger experience. Interior and exterior treatments come together to produce a vehicle which delivers on functionality and emotion, and, crucially for the iF Design Award judges, one that bears witness to an imaginative design evoking a very real sense of welcome, delight and inspiration.
The journey towards BYD’s latest 12-metre eBus design was the result of the globally-renowned Vision in Product (or ViP) design ethos; the culmination of a long-term, multi-layered working process. BYD’s design team immersed itself in design exhibitions, inspirational presentations and by working closely with design experts outside of vehicle manufacturing in order to assemble the fundamental Home from Home building blocks.
Bus Interior - ‘Home from Home’ design concept
Judging
No fewer than 70 individual design experts from 20 countries undertook a scrupulous appraisal of the BYD product, including a presentation in January from BYD’s research and development representatives to jury members in Hamburg. Following this week’s announcement of BYD’s victory, the company can look forward to the special iF DESIGN AWARDS ceremony in May.
7,300 participants from 56 countries entered the design competition – first conceived in 1953 and now comprising a huge variety of categories from all walks of life – all encompassing the latest trends, innovations and the unique nature of modern day design. An iF DESIGN AWARD winner boasts a highly regarded iF seal-of-approval; a symbol of outstanding design.
The iF DESIGN AWARD judges deliberated on a range of design criteria, including innovation & elaboration, aesthetics, functionality, responsibility and positioning. Their considerations centrered on the Home from Home design with its interior and exterior working in harmony. The smooth roofline removes equipment from sight for clean aesthetics, while the vibrant orange and cool, calm, pastel-blue create a dynamic contrast. Inside, the cabin colours, subtle material finishing and ambient lighting create a spacious and relaxing atmosphere. From a technology perspective the digital mirror and the new dashboard display are safer and future proof. A lightweight body structure, battery management system and new CO2 air conditioning lower the energy consumption.
“I am absolutely thrilled for our design team,” said BYD Europe Managing Director, Isbrand Ho, “few people realise the constraints that exist in designing a passenger carrying vehicle. Functionality is paramount and safety is the prime concern,” he said, and in addition, “the iF DESIGN AWARD’s expert judges fully appreciated the efforts our designers made in creating a Home from Home experience built into a stunningly attractive vehicle design; one that delivers a striking on-road presence and a safe, comfortable and calming environment for passengers.”
Bus driver cabin – ‘Home from Home’ design concept
