The annual Pilkington Vehicle Design Awards at the Royal College of Art (RCA) were again fiercely contested this year in their 27th annual celebration of top automotive design talent.
The RCA’s vehicle design students showcased their work in competition for two awards — Best Use of Glazing, which was won by Jannis Carius, and Best Design Interpretation, won by Alexander Ibbett. Such was the standard; two commendations were also awarded in the design interpretation category to Alexander Brink and Nick Dunderdale.
Jannis Carius won the ‘Best Use of Glazing’ award for his Bentley Sterling concept
Alexander Ibbet won this year’s Pilkington award with his Downloadable Car’ proposal
The nominated students were invited to present their designs to an expert judging panel, including Shirley Sergeant, global portfolio manager at NSG and David Wilkie, design director at CNH Industrial. The event represents a unique opportunity for budding designers to display their creativity to leading industry employers, many of whom are on the lookout for up and coming talent.
“This year’s entries have really set a new precedent in innovation and quality,” commented Mike Greenall, competition judge and Director of Automotive R&D Programs at NSG Group. “The work we have seen here reflects the need for the automotive industry to consider sustainability in design. Many of the students have offered novel glazing and design solutions which directly address this issue, this environmental foresight will definitely stand them in good stead for a bright future.”
Nick Dunderdale’s Mercedes-Benz ‘Rainmaster’ project won him a commendation
Nick Dunderdale poses beside his ‘Rainmaster’ concept
Alexander Brink won a commendation for his levitating sail-racing concept
Alexander Brink’s concept
“With Graduate design programs more competitive than ever, the Pilkington Vehicle Design Awards provide unrivaled exposure to students looking to make a name for themselves,” said Professor Dale Harrow, Dean and Head of the RCA’s Vehicle Design program. “Previous contestants have gone on to secure job roles on the basis of their entries, and as we know, commercial awareness with an eye for innovation is a winning formula in the quest for top quality design.”
