![[bath/header-2.jpg]](http://www.ultraprt.com/uploads/images/bath/header-2.jpg "[bath/header-2.jpg]")
- Designer: Federico Donelli
- Company/Institution: FDSA
- Location: Sant'Ilario d'Enza (RE), Italy
The full entry can be downloaded as a zip file via the following link:
Sample text and images from the entry are given below.
Vehicle Design
The proposed design for ULTra aims to exalt the original features that differentiate it from other transport systems such as taxi-cab and train.
Both in exterior and interior, it can have a characteristic design thanks mainly to a factor: slow speed (also slow acceleration and deceleration). As a consequence this vehicle has no particular needs of aerodynamic shape, nor seats should be intended to help the stability of passengers only.
ULTra in an historical city like Bath - The crystal shape
Today design of ULTra is based on streamline and organic shape. It perfectly fit in a modern and technological environment such as an airport and a business district.
This design, instead, offers an alternative vision, of modern taste, but more suitable for European urban areas and historical places such as the city of Bath.
The minimalistic act of creation of a multifaceted polyhedron carries simple and pure values such the ones of a crystal. The design that evokes crystals is also becoming popular as a modern sign, related to beauty, overcoming the idea of beauty = richness or luxury, meaning, instead, beauty = pureness.
In an architectural context, that has roots in classical era, neoclassicism, historicism and a respectful modernism, (that preserved classical values) the simple shape of a crystal is the continuation of the concepts of order and respectful neutrality. It is both ancient and modern.
Comfort and Wellness
The interior space is different from what we are used to see in traditional transport systems. The slow speed and the limited time of passenger's permanence allows to have less rigid ergonomic solutions. The basic principle of vehicle ergonomic is in fact to make passengers feel good allowing a certain free degree inside. This space could be compared to a conversation or a relaxation area.
Natural materials: iron, wood and leather, are typical of boat design. This make stronger the idea that this vehicle is something particular and it offers a higher comfort level.
"Very elegant pods, but interior looks more like a 1950s space ship than a 21st century mode of transport."
"Modern looking. Thought into interior design...Good point about low speed vs aerodynamics."
"Some investigation of existing ideas. Connection to nature – crystals, etc is interesting."
"Very clean, elegant design, if a little 1950s."
"Simplicity; beauty, and stylish."