The Inspirations Collection.
Explore.
Catalog.
Scroll for More
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.
Search Inspiration Entries
Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin
With local COVID restrictions of hand-launched watercraft like kayaks and canoes now being lifted in the bivouac’s northern outpost, more lake time has been had recently. This has the bivouac turning eyes toward the nautical side of things.
With local COVID restrictions of hand-launched watercraft like kayaks and canoes now being lifted in the bivouac’s northern outpost, more lake time has been had recently. This has the bivouac turning eyes toward the nautical side of things. The 2020 Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin is a new find that combines the best features from at least a couple of boat classes.
Know as the “Grand Turismo of the Seas,” on sunny days; the cabin doors slide wide open, the top slides back, and cabin gull-wing doors can even be opened wide to approximate a sun runner. In inclement weather, things can be reversed and buttoned up nicely with Webasto heating, keeping things toasty. The fore and aft cabins provide ample accommodations for a small family weekend getaway or an outing with friends. As Axopar has added an option for a wet bath and a galley behind the cockpit, longer runs are possible, too. The only things missing, which the company seems to be working on, are a larger refrigeration space and accommodations for hot water. Air conditioning would also be great but may not yet be on the list.
Overall, she’s a natural beauty with a revised raked roofline for 2020 that makes the boat appear more aggressive. And with twin Mercury outboard engines, she is undoubtedly capable of delivering a sporty yet controlled and smooth ride that matches her appearance due to her stepped hull design. Mercury joystick controls as an option complement her graceful lines with graceful in-harbor handling. All-in-all, it is a gorgeous and refreshingly practical nautical accomplishment.
Ursa Minor for JLUR
The bivouac hopes the Ursa Minor J30 pop-up camper hard top for the Jeep JL Rubicon Unlimited is worth the wait.
The bivouac hopes the Ursa Minor J30 pop-up camper hard top for the Jeep JL Rubicon Unlimited is worth the wait. Long intrigued by how the company’s current product transforms the JK into a platform for serious overlanding and…well…bivouacking; it would be great to see the company refine the design and make it available for Jeep’s newer JL and Gladiator lines soon. According to the company’s website, production for the JL was supposed to start in January, so they may already be on it.
Created to explore color and feature options, the image above is a quick visualization of what the bivouac hopes to see from the company. And, of course, the JLUR accessories from AEV are also eagerly awaited.
One good thing about the wait is that the diesel version of the JLUR Rubicon is now out, offering more torque, fuel economy, and hopefully reliability than other engine options in the FCA lineup. Who knows, maybe the plug-in hybrid will be around the corner despite the general assumption it won’t be available until around 2022. Well, good things are generally worth the wait.
Rendering created by the biviouac. Hopefully something like this will soon be available for the JLUR from Ursa Minor.
RIvian: Runnig Circles Around the Competition
Rivian has covered some impressive ground recently, having developed its own proprietary electric mobility chassis targeted at the pickup truck segment. From designing unique cross-vehicle body storage options to setting new benchmarks for robustness and predicted range, the folks at Rivian keep admirably pushing the edge of what has previously been possible with trucks. And now they have released a Tank Turn video that serves as an exciting reminder that there is much to come with the introduction of electric mobility platforms in the years to come. By modulating output directly from its four motors, the Rivian demonstrates a nimbleness that will stop others in their tracks. Now, that’s a turn for the better.
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!
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.
Eyes are the Window to the Soul
There have been some fantastic things happening lately in the world of LED lighting for vehicles. More efficient and robust than traditional lighting, they adorn most new car models.
There have been some fantastic things happening lately in the world of LED lighting for vehicles. More efficient and robust than traditional lighting, they adorn most new car models. Given their ability to light up even the darkest corners of the Serengeti, it seems appropriate to see them now on the 2013 R1200GS. The units look fantastic in day and night running configurations, providing an even more aggressive and determined look for the GS. Now, that’s enlightenment at its best.
BMW GINA Visionary Concept Vehicle
GINA (which stands for Geometry and Function in Infinite Adaptation) may be a bit of an acronym stretch, but then again, stretching is appropriate for a concept vehicle with a flexible skin.
GINA (which stands for Geometry and Function in Infinite Adaptation) may be a bit of an acronym stretch, but then again, stretching is appropriate for a concept vehicle with a flexible skin. Take a closer look at how the GINA Visionary Concept Vehicle is set to reshape automobile design thinking.
Michelin Tweel
Coming to a vehicle near you. Not clear when, but Michelin is working on an airless wheel called the "Tweel"
They are coming to a vehicle near you. It's unclear when, but Michelin is working on an airless wheel called the "Tweel". Beyond not having to worry about air pressure, advantages include unique contact patch capabilities. Tweels also have obvious applications for lighter personal vehicles.
For more information, visit Michelin's press release page.
