The French artist, Philippe Starck, has designed a unique gondola to "merge the identity of Italian beauty and heritage." Dubbed the Dream of Winter Gondola, this boat was built for VeniSIA, a program at the Ca'FOscari University of Venice that aims to inspire Venetian artisans to utilize their creativity as a tool for innovation.
The design boasts a sleek and futuristic aesthetic and is to be made using laminated compressed bamboo. The laminated bamboo was chosen as it is highly durable and is not affected by humidity. The boat will run an electric turbine which is powered by solar energy and a hydro-generator. The electric turbine is easy to use and ensures the gondolier can power the boat with little effort. The gondola design is finished with a small gyroscope that ensures the boat remains stable along the canals.
Futuristic Gondola Designs
Philippe Starck Unveiled His Sustainable Gondola Design
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Gondola Design - The Dream of Winter Gondola's use of laminated compressed bamboo and solar-powered electric turbine offers an opportunity to disrupt the traditional gondola industry with an eco-friendly alternative.
2. Futuristic Aesthetics - Philippe Starck's design of the Dream of Winter Gondola showcases a trend in futuristic aesthetics for traditional and iconic modes of transportation, creating a market opportunity for innovative designs.
3. Art-inspired Innovation - VeniSIA's program that inspires Venetian artisans to utilize their creativity as a tool for innovation encourages a trend of art-inspired innovation that can be applied in various industries.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - The Dream of Winter Gondola's unique design creates an opportunity to disrupt the traditional gondola industry and inspire innovative designs for traditional modes of transportation.
2. Renewable Energy - The integration of solar energy and hydro-generator in the Dream of Winter Gondola design offers an opportunity to disrupt the traditional transportation industry with eco-friendly alternatives.
3. Art and Design - VeniSIA's program's focus on art-inspired innovation creates an opportunity to apply creativity and design in various industries beyond traditional art forms.