Hyundai Motor Group and Royal College of Art Mark a Decade of Collaboration to Drive Design Innovation and Sustainability
In today’s fast-paced world, the automotive industry is constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of innovation. As a leading global automotive company, Hyundai Motor Group has always been at the forefront of this change, striving to create vehicles that not only meet the needs of consumers but also contribute to a sustainable future. And for the past decade, their partnership with the Royal College of Art (RCA) has been instrumental in driving this vision forward.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and RCA, and to celebrate this milestone, the two institutions have announced an extension of their partnership for another 10 years. This extension is a testament to the success and impact of their collaboration over the past decade, and it is a clear indication of their commitment to drive design innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.
The partnership between Hyundai Motor Group and RCA began in 2010 when the two institutions joined forces to establish the Hyundai Motor Design Center at RCA’s Battersea campus in London. This state-of-the-art facility became the hub for design innovation, bringing together students, faculty, and industry professionals to collaborate and create groundbreaking designs.
Over the years, the collaboration has resulted in numerous successful projects and initiatives, including the prestigious Helen Hamlyn Design Award for Inclusive Design, which was established in 2011. This award recognizes and celebrates innovative designs that improve the lives of people with disabilities and older people. It has become a highly coveted award among RCA students, with many of them going on to make significant contributions to the automotive industry.
One of the most notable achievements of this partnership is the development of the ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language, which has become the hallmark of Hyundai Motor Group’s vehicle designs. This design philosophy, which is inspired by nature, has been incorporated into many of their models, making them stand out in the highly competitive automotive market.
But the collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and RCA is not just about creating visually appealing designs. It is also about driving sustainability in the automotive industry. With the growing concern for the environment and the need for sustainable solutions, the two institutions have been working together to develop eco-friendly designs and technologies.
One such project is the ‘Project IONIQ,’ which was launched in 2016. This project aimed to explore new ways of incorporating sustainable materials and technologies into vehicle design. The result was the IONIQ concept car, which showcased the use of eco-friendly materials such as volcanic stone and recycled plastic bottles in its interior.
The success of ‘Project IONIQ’ led to the establishment of the ‘Eco-Design Project’ in 2018, which focused on developing sustainable design solutions for future vehicles. This project has not only helped Hyundai Motor Group in creating more environmentally friendly vehicles but has also inspired other automotive companies to follow suit.
As we enter a new decade, the partnership between Hyundai Motor Group and RCA is set to reach new heights. The extension of their collaboration will see the establishment of a new research center at RCA’s Battersea campus, which will focus on developing new design technologies and materials for sustainable vehicle designs.
Moreover, the two institutions will also work together to establish a new scholarship program to support talented students from diverse backgrounds, giving them the opportunity to pursue their passion for automotive design at RCA.
The extension of this collaboration is a clear indication of the shared vision and values of Hyundai Motor Group and RCA. Both institutions are committed to creating a more sustainable future through design innovation, and their partnership has been a driving force in achieving this goal.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between these two institutions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future. With their combined expertise and passion for design, Hyundai Motor Group and RCA are set to make a significant impact in the years to come, and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve together.
