Design Brief
Design Idea
Proton “Gyra” was inspired by the behaviour of the algae plant (spirogyra) because in the future, most crude oil and petroleum will continue to deplete because petroleum is naturally formed far too slowly to be replaced due to the constant usage of burning of fossil fuels by automobiles.
Proton “Gyra” will explore the potentials of algae bioreactors, which are usually used to harvest algae for fuel; to creae a new sustainable model in the city in Malaysia, by introducing an algae powered car which is being driven by generative process, seeking new ways to challenge the conventional design of automobiles in Malaysia. My project also aims to redefine family cars not as a conventional functional element to serve one common purpose, but as a combination of dynamic aesthetic, functionality and also has zero emission because algae is an organic substance which does not harm the environment.
Unique Selling Point
Proton “Gyra” has an aerodynamic form, this shape addresses that it is suitable to cut wind flow at high speed, resulting in a more comfortable journey for the users. The form also diverts the concept of conventional family car just being made out of boxes to maximize space usage, where Proton “Gyra” tries to combine maximum functionality as well as a dynamic form derived from the shape of the algae leaves to create a more holistic design.
Proton “Gyra” has an aerodynamic form, this shape addresses that it is suitable to cut wind flow at high speed, resulting in a more comfortable journey for the users. The form also diverts the concept of conventional family car just being made out of boxes to maximize space usage, where Proton “Gyra” tries to combine maximum functionality as well as a dynamic form derived from the shape of the algae leaves to create a more holistic design.
In terms of fuel, this car uses algae biofuel as petrol, which is a new technology being developed to counter the depletion of crude oil issue. Algae biofuel is environmentally friendly, as it does not harm the environment as it is an organic product. The fuel can even be cultivated in the car itself, as there are mini algae tanks and silos stored in the trunk of the car. The solar absorber panels on the car helps to collect sunlight, and this light is channelled to the tanks to produce biofuel.
Apart from the environmental sustainability, Proton “Gyra” has also some unique design elements, such as having six seats, to fit more passengers, as Malaysian families nowadays have three passengers in front, and three more at the rear. Besides that, the driver seat is also located in the middle, which provides the driver with more space and legroom compared to the conventional interior car design.
