SCAD SPECIAL CAR PROJECT
AETHER • The God of Light and Bright
912 • Area code of origin
Area of opportunity:
The percentage of 19-year-olds with a driver’s license dropped 18.6% steadily from 1983 to 2022. Generation Z and Alpha's interest in owning cars has declined by 25%. (WSJ)
Goal:
Bring back the Thrill, Joy, and Enthusiasm of the driving experience for Gen Z and Alpha. Make them want to get their first car, our car---our Aether.
Brief:
A group of 20 specially hand-picked Industrial Design students from SCAD was formed headed by our Prof. Rafael Corazza, I was fortunate to be selected. We were tasked with creating a new automotive vehicle that innovates and re-imagines what the new generation's go-to vehicle is.
We were given less than a year to ideate, model, and manufacture our concept car.
I was one of the few to stay for the full ride of the Aether 912, from Fall to Summer. It started as a smaller-sized smart car, now having evolved into a full-on open roadster.
Initially, I was tasked with sketching and Ideating with my studio mates, with whom I share a close bond now. We combined sketching and Vizcom, an AI tool, for rapid ideation of several concepts.
CAD MODELER AND PRESENTER
my role
FINAL CONCEPT SKETCHES
THE GREAT
FRANK STEPHENSON
I was also part of presenting our concepts to our Board of directors, and investors at SCAD. One of these presentations, even included the renowned Automobile and Industrial Designer, Frank Stephenson. It was an honor to share our vision and learn from him.
cad phase
SURFACE AND MODELING FOR MANUFACTURE
WHEEL DESIGN / SKETCHES
Later in the Project, we initiated the 3D modeling phase, and the CAD team divided and conquered. I was assigned to design and 3D CAD the wheel rims, Backseats, Headrest, and Dashboard in Rhino 3D.
WHEEL DESIGN / CAD MODEL
Final wheel design modeled in SubD by Joshua Li. Nurbs by Will Ballard. Rendered by Abhinay Lal.
FINAL SPRINT
In the last two months, I was moved to interiors. I was challenged to design and model several manufacturable interior components of Aether.
Interior
INTERIOR DESIGN AND CAD
BACK SEAT / 3D MODEL
I was then tasked to convert the Concept of the backseat to a manufacturable model. The model will then be sent for 3D Printing, by Massivit. While modeling the seats, I had to make sure all NURBs surfaces were printable and took into account that the seats would be upholstered. Thus I split the seat into several panels.
HEADREST / 3D MODEL
The rear headrest concept --- I wanted to incorporate the Aether's Iconic side "swoosh" and the hex pattern. Like the backseat, I modeled the headrest in nurbs for manufacturing and upholstery. I also modeled the cover panels for the bubble, considering how the headrest might interact with the cover panel, and how it will stay in place.
DASHBOARD / 3D MODEL
Sketch on top of CAD by Rafael and Jee
My CAD Iteration of the Dash Design
The Dashboard was one of the last pieces needed. I went through several iterations designing it. and after working with Prof. Jeehoon Shin and Rafael Corazza, we finally landed on a minimalist and practical design, which pays homage to the Aether's tail wing. I proceeded to the surface model in NURBs and paid close attention to its surface quality.
Top View of Dashboard Incontext
E-Map of Dashboard Incontext
DASH SCREENS
The final screen follows a Y-branch design, allowing maximizing space and stabilization while still making the screws hidden and aesthetically pleasing.
The to add to the dash are the screens. The screens went through multiple iterations, mainly focused on making installation easy yet aesthetically pleasing, with consideration of the electronics we had on hand.
Each screen uses 6 screws, 3 on each branch, to ensure stability and durability. While considering wiring holes, the screen and the motherboard.
Version 3
Version 1
Version 2
Final Dash Screen
Screen in CAD
STEERING BASE
Steering Base
The steering base completes the dash. It ties in the steering wheel and is the cherry on top, a perfect opportunity to add our Aether branding. The design is a callback to the iconic swoosh of Aether paired with our logo.
Top View of Dash
Final Screen & Steering Base In-Action
fINAL PROTOTYPE
FINISHED AND MANUFACTURED
