Ford has opened an 11.6M Euros expansion of its Design Centre at Merkenich-Cologne, featuring an open and fluid design to help promote idea exchange. The development includes a virtual reality "powerwall" for improved real-time global communication; new milling machines to produce precise clay models of new vehicles; and the redesign of existing studios.
"Outstanding design is one of the things that sets our brand apart and excites our customers," commented Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe. "The Design Centre expansion will provide employees with a highly-motivational environment in which they are free to further develop Ford's design philosophy."
The expanded Ford Design Centre is home to the design and development team with global responsibility for small and compact vehicles, including Fiesta and Focus. The 3,000m2 expansion brings the Centre's total area to 16,000m2.
"The design of all of our vehicles has become increasingly important for Ford on a global basis, so we were keen to employ the same design language in the construction of the new Design Centre expansion," said Erika Tsubaki, supervisor, Design Strategy and Futuring, Ford of Europe. "Its distinctive and dynamic construction is reminiscent of a boat, floating out of the centre, while the fluid interior brings our different teams closer together."
The extension's open-plan design means there are no barriers between the teams that work at the Centre, to foster an open and inclusive atmosphere that is important to the design process. "A design studio is not like a traditional office where people sit alongside each other in rows of desks," explained Serife Celebi, design supervisor, Colour and Material Design, Ford of Europe. "In a design studio, you need plenty of space and natural light in order to view designs and concepts from different angles and distances. The new wing features a glass façade and open-plan interior designed to encourage people to interact more closely to help them gain a better understanding of the design and development process."
The new wing is the largest single expansion of the Design Centre since it was first constructed in 1968.