design philosophy
Arctic transportation, in it's truest form, is purely a mode of travel. That is, to get passengers and resources safely from one place to another through extremely harsh weather conditions and over difficult terrain. Yet, passenger cars used every day and homes that house humans for long periods of time center the user's experience, comfort, and finds an aesthetic to please the human eye. Cassie was designed with human experience, modernism, simplicity, and functionality in mind and asks the question: how can beautiful design improve experience? And, by designing in conjunction with chemical research on icephobicity, the Cassie design sets a precedent for how interdisciplinary process can influence design, functionality, and sustainability in a positive way.
the hexagon
The hexagon is both a common shape in chemical notation and is the shape water crystalizes in (think of snowflakes). The honeycomb pattern that is created when hexagons are weaved together visually makes the Cassie seem more natural, fluid, and clean. Not only is the shape beautifully geometric, but it lends itself well to modularity and uniqueness. The hexagon was used in every part of the design process from the shapes in the interior to the exterior patterning.
the importance of natural light
Natural light is a key element to improving someone's experience within a small space. How can we think of the Cassie as a piece of architecture and the drivers/passengers the inhabitants? Getting light into the vehicle and blurring the lines between exterior and interior was a common theme in centering human experience and emphasizing comfort. Not to mention, the use of natural light aligns with patterns of modernist and minimalist design.
