PROSPECT & REFUGE

PROSPECT & REFUGE: Innate Interiors

How can an autonomous vehicle establish an analogue experience that stems from our innate psychological needs, to reduce tension and maintain internal stability. 

When we break past the luxury and delivery elements of autonomous cars, what will an affordable family, commuting vehicle consist of? With autonomous concepts of all shapes and sizes being unveiled at industry shows and student exhibitions, Prospect & Refuge aims to provide a glimpse into a humanised autonomous future.

“Human beings, even when at the wheel, are prone to talk, wave to their friends, make love, day- dream, listen to the radio, stare at striking billboards, light cigarettes, take chances. They would not be very human if they abandoned these practices even while driving.” (Norman Bel Geddes, Magic Motorways)

The project began with a focus on removing screen technologies and creating an analogue and interactive experience for users within an autonomous vehicle. Through in-depth research, talking with social psychologists, spatial designers and families, the aim of the project was to develop an autonomous interior environment that best suits a social and interactive space, whilst also catering to individual needs. Readings led the project towards the theory of Prospect and Refuge developed by Jay Appleton, an English geographer and academic in 1975. The theory states how humans seek to satisfy an innate desire when reviewing a space. To have opportunity [prospect] whilst being safe [refuge]. This theory was used as inspiration and a guidance on how to design the interior space.

The interior layout provides a space for individuals to feel at ease with a sense of privacy and an area to reflect and contemplate their daily activities. The rear seating area of the vehicle has a large and encapsulating design, that aims to provide users with a space of comfort and security [refuge]. This being a vehicle designed around a family journey, the rear seating also offers a space for parents to sit and watch over their children [prospect]. It challenges traditional vehicle interior design by placing the parents at the rear of the vehicle and children at the front. The front seating area has been designed for a social and interactive space. Where passengers can talk and view the external environment with ease, whilst offering areas of privacy and relaxation. 

The colour, material and finishes [CMF] were designed in collaboration with Lizzy Stuyfzand, a textile design student at the Royal College of Art. We continued to follow the innate and natural aspects of the project and developed a colour scheme that was influenced by the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. We then developed the materials and finishes, aiming to heighten the sensory curiosity of the user. A combination of embroidered surfaces, textured fabrics and smart materials, creates an interior environment that heightens the users journey experience. 

Prospect & Refuge; an autonomous interior concept, designed around your innate characteristics and primal instincts as human beings.

By Oliver Winter

In collaboration with Lizzy Stuyfzand

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