Origins concept
Thama Dawson
Thama Dawson didn’t just design her Origin concept, she built a working full-size model in her VW Transporter. Aiming to combine work, play and leisure in one vehicle, the scope of the project was to develop a sustainable transport solution that re-evaluated transport requirements in relation to employment and housing needs. The result is a vehicle for commuters, with three interior options aimed at different target markets and budgets.
“Many employees have to commute a considerable distance to their place of employment due to changes in economy market, meaning fewer specialized jobs,” cites Dawson. “The industry has changed, resulting in having to travel further.”
Her Origin concept is a multi-functional vehicle for commuters; a transport solution that users can live in while working at a remote location. It’s an alternative to the daily commute, reducing time spent traveling and enabling a more economical, healthy and affordable choice. This also means that users have the freedom to easily relocate to another area should they choose to.
The concept was inspired by the previous generation VW Transporters and organic sculptures. The exterior bodywork flows around the vehicle, with every part of the design having a function. It was vital for Dawson to create a balance between the exterior and interior design, as the interior is the most important area of the vehicle.
The interior can be adapted from a corner sofa to a king size bed in 20 seconds and the cooking facilities with a push of a button. She stitched all of the seating and built a working model over a 6-month time frame, which she presented as a full-scale interior fabrication and 1:5 scale clay exterior model.
