Controversial former BMW design chief Chris Bangle has launched a new novel and design competition. The instigator of the oft maligned, yet now much imitated, ‘flame-surface’ styling has used his website to publish a the prologue to a futuristic fictional tale titled Peter Teufel, A Tale of Car Design in 3 parts.
The competition is linked to the book launch and is dubbed “Illustrate the Future,” with Bangle challenging budding designers to draw the vehicles and machines highlighted in the book’s prologue. There are specific rules and guidelines that must be followed, with the competition only open to student designers who are not currently working as a paid design professional in their field.
The challenge requires entrants to create the own illustration of the how the six devices and vehicles might look in their mind, yet still match as closely as possible how the designs are described. Entrants must draw all six of the devices and vehicles to qualify. While all drawings may be in color, they are required to be scanned and submitted in gray scale.
The best ten participants will be chosen for awards with the overall winner getting a one-week visit to the CBA Studio in Italy, including a design workshop with Chris Bangle himself. If unable to make the trip, a 2,000 Euro prize can be taken in its stead. The runners-up will receive a CBA logo Polo shirt a free copy of the 2nd edition of the eBook when it is published, along with the honor of having their illustrations and designs posted on the CBA website.
As for the quality of the prologue, which is set in 2037 – it has been well-received by critics, which suggests that Bangle may not have to give up his day job. Controversial Bangle may be, but lacking in talent he is not.
