The Inspirations Collection.
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Welcome to designbivouac’s inspiration collection.
Exploring design and innovation.
Over 30 years of collaboration, designbivouac has uncovered lasting insights. Inspirations is a curated collection of inspirational objects and ideas shaping a continuous journey of creative exploration.
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Less is Far More
Tesla is always looking to reduce the complexity of its vehicle design. This Autoline Daily video outlines several ways the company is reducing part count and aiding operators in vehicle assembly.
Tesla is always looking to reduce the complexity of its vehicle design. This Autoline Daily video outlines several ways the company is reducing part count and aiding operators in vehicle assembly.
Note that the large aluminum gigacasting parts in the front and rear of the cars are produced in Austin, Texas. They reduce part count dramatically while providing large access areas for assembly workers. All this effort to make things modular and more manageable for human operators may someday pay off by further automating Tesla’s manufacturing processes with advancements in robotic assembly.
Cleaning Up Our Oceans
Our oceans, once a symbol of vastness and purity, face an alarming crisis due to plastic pollution. As our planet grapples with the adverse effects of human activity on the environment, initiatives like "The Ocean Cleanup Project" offer a glimmer of hope in tackling this urgent problem.
Our oceans, once a symbol of vastness and purity, face an alarming crisis due to plastic pollution. As our planet grapples with the adverse effects of human activity on the environment, initiatives like "The Ocean Cleanup Project" offer a glimmer of hope in tackling this urgent problem. This effort, spearheaded by young entrepreneur Boyan Slat, aims to make a tangible difference in the war against ocean plastic.
In 2011, a then-18-year-old Boyan Slat was scuba diving in Greece and noticed that there were more plastic bags than fish in the water. This disheartening encounter fueled his determination to find a solution to the ocean's plastic epidemic. Two years later, Slat unveiled his ambitious idea in a TEDx Talk: an ingenious system to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a vast accumulation of plastic debris in the North Pacific Ocean. The core of The Ocean Cleanup Project is its innovative passive cleanup system, aptly named "System 001" or "Wilson." This system consists of a series of floating barriers, known as "booms," which form a giant U-shaped structure. Beneath these booms hangs a non-permeable skirt that extends several meters below the surface, effectively capturing plastic waste.
The system is designed to autonomously concentrate and collect plastic debris into a central collection point by employing the ocean's natural currents, winds, and waves. Once gathered, a specialized vessel comes in to scoop up the accumulated plastic, which is then transported to land for recycling. The project's technology represents a breakthrough in the fight against plastic pollution, as it enables the efficient and large-scale removal of plastic without harming marine life. The cleanup process is non-disruptive to marine ecosystems, reducing the potential for bycatch or harm to aquatic species. While the project holds significant promise, it has not been without challenges. During initial testing, engineers encountered issues with plastic escaping from the system. However, the team's resilience and iterative approach allowed them to overcome these obstacles through continuous improvements and refinements.
Recognizing that prevention is equally crucial in curbing plastic pollution, The Ocean Cleanup Project has expanded its mission to address the root causes of plastic waste. They actively engage in educational campaigns to raise awareness about plastic pollution and promote responsible plastic use and waste management practices. Since its inception, The Ocean Cleanup Project has made commendable strides. Multiple iterations of the cleanup system have been deployed, each more effective than the last. While the ultimate goal is to clean up 90% of ocean plastic by 2040, the project has made significant progress and brought heightened awareness to the global plastic crisis.
The Ocean Cleanup Project stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against plastic pollution. Through innovation, dedication, and perseverance, Boyan Slat and his team have demonstrated that we can take meaningful steps to heal our oceans. As individuals, we must support such initiatives and collectively work towards reducing our plastic footprint. With continued efforts and a united global front, we can restore the ocean's splendor and safeguard the future of our planet for generations to come.
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Up...up...and away!
Gravity continues to make progress on its rocket pack technology. Check out the company's genesis and some applications it is refining.
Gravity continues to make progress on its rocket pack technology. Hopefully, the company can continue to branch beyond potential military applications to things like exploration and perhaps empowering first responders or lifesaving use of the technology, such as assisting with evacuation from burning skyscrapers. This is undoubtedly one of the most compelling forms of human flight to ever take to the skies.
The Gravity Jet Pack Company is a pioneering and innovative enterprise at the forefront of the personal aviation industry. With a vision to make science fiction dreams a reality, this cutting-edge company specializes in designing and producing state-of-the-art jet packs that enable individuals to defy gravity and take to the skies with precision and safety. Their commitment to safety and efficiency is paramount, incorporating advanced technologies and rigorous testing to ensure a secure and exhilarating flying experience. As they continue to push the boundaries of human flight, the Gravity Jet Pack Company is a beacon of progress in the ever-evolving world of aviation, offering a thrilling glimpse into the future of personal transportation and exploration.
Is VW’s Future in Its Past?
With all the turmoil at Volkswagen, it remains to be seen what path the company will take moving forward. Despite decent vehicle sales against 2022’s headwinds, the company is rumored to be scrapping its current electric vehicle platform for an entirely new architecture. Fundamental leadership changes were recently announced at the CEO and Head of Design levels.
With all the turmoil at Volkswagen, it remains to be seen what path the company will take moving forward. Despite decent vehicle sales against 2022’s headwinds, the company is rumored to be scrapping its current electric vehicle platform for an entirely new architecture. Fundamental leadership changes were recently announced at the CEO and Head of Design levels. Here’s hoping a new electric platform designed from the ground up and a bit of looking at successes from the past can help move the company forward.
Well, here is a suggestion. Take a long, hard look back at more of your heritage vehicles. Why not apply your next-generation electric platform to making new vehicles that resemble desirable models from yesteryear? There is really no need to contemporize with flashy “ID. Buzz” aesthetics and the like. Modernize the one we knew and loved with modern manufacturing techniques and designs that meet today’s safety standards. The company had some success doing this with the VW bug, and it had a good run. Why not start with the new electric platform and relaunch with this…an electric-powered version of a T3 Syncro in a crew-cab Doka Transporter configuration?
Focus on building a line of vehicles closer to what VW was once known for producing: honest, economical, straightforward, accessible cars for the people. Variants of one platform worked in the past. They could again if the design of the new EV platform is done with that in mind. Efficiencies of this approach are working well for Tesla with the Model 3 and Model Y. Need more convincing of the appeal of your heritage vehicles? This artifact from VW’s past recently sold for $51,000 on Bring A Trailer.
And pick up the pace if you can. The competition is moving fast. Modernizing your iconic VW bus from the 1970s took over 20 years of concepting.
2001 Microbus Concept (Arguably the best looking vehicle of all the VW Van Concepts)
2011 Bulli Concept
2016 BUDD-e Concept
2017 I.D. Buzz Concept
2023 I.D. Buzz production model finally becomes available
The Sur Ron X Evolved
As you can see in the excellent demo ride video from Electric Cycle Rider, the folks over at 4MFoundry are applying all that has been learned over the past few decades about off-road riding in designing their upgraded body and seat kit for the Sur Ron X.
The kit features an extension of seat padding over the battery storage area. This allows riders to shift their weight more comfortably forward when needed. Side skirts enable riders to grip and control the bike with their knees. Aesthetically, the kit cleans up the bike design. 4MFoundry’s efforts highlight one of the best things about the Sur Ron platform—passionate and relatively easy community-based customization. Here’s wishing 4MFoundry all the best in improving the already remarkable Sur Ron X.
Photo: 4MFoundry
Learn more about the remarkable Sur Ron at sur-ronusa.com.
You can read more about the kit which is still in prototype form over at Electric Cycle Rider.
Ready to pick up a Sur Ron for yourself? The bivouac had a good experience with Sur Ron’s distributor Luna Cycles, quickly procuring its Sur Ron Black Edition.
Defying Gravity
Some of humanity’s aspirations are timeless. Such is the desire to fly. As a result, the challenge is continually taken up by bright minds. As technology advances, our dreams of gracefully transcending the bounds of earth’s gravitation seem more achievable.
Some of humanity’s aspirations are timeless. Such is the desire to fly. As a result, the challenge is continually taken up by bright minds. As technology advances, our dreams of gracefully transcending the bounds of earth’s gravitation seem more achievable. Such is the case with Gravity, which produces one of the fastest jet packs supporting human flight today. It is inspiring to see dreams like this pursued. Not only because they make progress towards addressing our timeless fascination with flight, but they open up many practical applications.
One could imagine that Gravity’s system could empower firefighters to launch from one building to another. Trailing a cable, those trapped atop a burning skyscraper could take a safe zip-line ride. Once enough, additional thrust is assured with the system. Potential victims could just be plucked one by one from burning buildings or sinking ships. As the introduction of the helicopter back in the 1940s proved, beneficial applications abound for breakthrough VTOL technologies like these. I wish the team at Gravity all the best in their uplifting endeavors.
Robust Storytelling: Defending a Legacy
Since its inception 70 years ago, the Land Rover Defender has undergone the most extensive redesign. All but the most hard-core traditionalists seem impressed with how designers have balanced the need to bring the marque into the 21st century while maintaining ties to its heritage.
Since its inception 70 years ago, the Land Rover Defender has undergone the most extensive redesign. All but the most hard-core traditionalists seem impressed with how designers have balanced the need to bring the marque into the 21st century while maintaining ties to its heritage. Regardless of how the new design strikes you, one has to recognize how adept Land Rover has become at telling launch and feature stories with clear explanations of the vehicle’s sophisticated design, capabilities, technology, and masterful filming of the Defender going through its paces across a range of unique terrain.
The Defender continues to redefine the boundaries of luxury and off-road capability. Its rugged yet refined design, the Defender effortlessly combines the classic Defender heritage with modern innovations. Its advanced engineering ensures top-tier performance, with powerful engines and sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems. The interior blends opulence and practicality, featuring high-quality materials, state-of-the-art technology, and versatile seating configurations. Whether navigating challenging off-road terrain or cruising through city streets, the 2023 Range Rover Defender exemplifies the epitome of versatility and luxury, making it an ideal choice for adventurers and urbanites.
Charged Up about Future Overlanding
Rivian showed up at Overland Expo West with a bivouac-capable version of its electric pickup truck.
Rivian made its debut at Overland Expo West with a bivouac-capable version of its electric pickup truck. The unique pass-through storage space behind the passenger compartment features an overlanding kitchen equipped with an inductive cook range and a sink with an electric pump. All accessories draw upon the 180 kW battery. Although this is just a concept for now, it gets one thinking about the future promise of zero-emission overlanding just around the bend.
Demonstrating more out-of-the-box thinking, Rivian will create an overlanding kitchen kit that slides out of the gear tunnel behind the rear seats and just under the front of the bed. This is just another great example of the myriad of vehicle packaging options that are being opened up by electric powertrain options.
Hobie Revolution 13
Having dusted off the Hobie Revolution 13 in the last couple of weeks, the bivouac is reminded of just how aptly it is named; the Hobie Revolution 13 represents a remarkable kayak revolution.
Having dusted off the Hobie Revolution 13 in the last couple of weeks, the bivouac is reminded of just how aptly it is named; the Hobie Revolution 13 represents a remarkable kayak revolution. Offering excellent stability in the water and superior ergonomic positioning over the last generation of sea kayaks, the Hobie Revolution 13 is designed to allow users to sit on it rather than in it. The lightweight seat is breathable and fully adjustable thanks to its integrated BOA-powered lumbar adjustment system and other thoughtful angle adjustments.
Coupled with the ground-breaking Hobie Mirage Drive, it transforms occupants into superheroes. Covering longer distances that would have once crushed one’s back and shoulders is now child’s play. The Mirage Drive is a remarkable piece of design and engineering. It empowers riders to move through the water quickly for long periods. Modeled after how penguins shift their fins through the water, the fins turn back and forth while pivoting, ensuring an unheard-of efficiency. Excellent ergonomics keep back fatigue at bay and allow occupants a more upright view, freeing them to focus more on their surroundings.
An ingenious rudder system rounds out the offering, providing agile and easily controllable handling and subtle wind offset functionality. Overall, the Hobie Revolution 13 is a well-rounded, stable platform upon which to move at speed or fish confidently. Two thumbs up and paddle raised high from the bivouac!
Oroville Dam Spillway
Last week, The California Department of Water Resources opened the gates of the Oroville Reservoir. Water flowed dramatically down the chute (the width of a twelve-lane highway with a center divider) for the first time since the spillway failed a couple of years ago, forcing the evacuation of over 100,000 residents downstream.
Last week, The California Department of Water Resources opened the gates of the Oroville Reservoir. Water flowed dramatically down the chute (the width of a twelve-lane highway with a center divider) for the first time since the spillway failed a couple of years ago, forcing the evacuation of over 100,000 residents downstream.
This has been a fantastic feat of engineering and a project of inspirational scale. It is nice to see we can complete projects like this in a timely and safe fashion. The spillway works as designed and is a thing of awe and beauty. Thanks to all who worked tirelessly on the project to ensure the safety of California’s crucial water supply. And thanks to DWR for doing such a fantastic job of capturing the progress of the project, which can be viewed here.
The Oroville Dam spillway reconstruction project, undertaken after the crisis of 2017, stands as a monumental engineering effort to restore the damaged infrastructure and enhance the safety of the Oroville Dam, one of California's critical water supply and flood control facilities. The crisis unfolded when heavy rainfall and erosion caused severe damage to the main and emergency spillways, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents downstream. In response, a massive reconstruction project was initiated to rectify the damage and ensure the long-term integrity of the dam.
The project, estimated to cost over a billion dollars, was a collaborative effort involving various state and federal agencies, engineering firms, and construction companies. It entailed meticulously reconstructing the main and emergency spillways, employing modern engineering techniques and materials to enhance their resilience and capacity. Engineers and construction teams faced significant challenges, from coordinating the massive concrete pours to ensuring the project's timely completion before the next rainy season. Furthermore, safety features were incorporated into the design to mitigate future risks and protect the communities downstream.
The Oroville Dam spillway reconstruction project represents not only a remarkable feat of engineering and construction but also a testament to the importance of maintaining and improving critical infrastructure for water management and flood control. It serves as a reminder of the dedication and expertise required to safeguard communities and resources in the face of natural disasters and underscores the ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and sustainability of California's water supply and flood control systems.
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Cruisers Yachts 338
Companies like Cruisers Yachts deserve recognition as they push for more innovation in smaller and more modest sizes.
Companies like Cruisers Yachts deserve recognition as they push for more innovation in smaller and more modest sizes. And they are doing so while still offering stunning vessels. Witness the 2019 Cruiser Yachts 338 South Beach Edition.
It is a stunning yet pragmatic approach to designing a smaller yacht that can meet the needs of those setting out for a long weekend. The innovative rear seating, generous forward gunnel side storage, and an asymmetric passway through to the front bow area all distinguish the 338’s design. The rear platform even works well with the newest version of the 338 that incorporates outboard propulsion.
The generous berth below the foredeck has a modern and minimalist ambiance. Thoughtful integration sinks, refrigerators and microwaves, and an accessible rear swim platform show great attention to detail and sensitivity to balancing pragmatism with style. A powered extending bimini top helps provide shade for a large portion of the aft deck if desired. The rear swim platform provides a generous space to access the water, while an ingenious powered seat solution provides multi-position sun seating for lounging or socializing. Rear outboard propulsion is an option as well.
In a world in need of downsizing and the age of mega yachts, it is great to see companies offering solutions that are more appropriate in the context of the world economy today that still push design forward.
