College students spent a semester designing and fully outfitting a 23-foot Airstream Inc., trailer for work and play. The 170 students are in a combined industrial design and interior design class at Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus, Ohio. They worked tirelessly to build out the interior of the trailer as a prototype for a traveling home office.
“These are the types of experiences that truly help our students grow,” said Tom Gattis, dean of the School of Design Arts. “They’ve been totally immersed in this project and have managed it all with grace, poise and infectious enthusiasm. I couldn’t be more proud.”
The CCAD MindMarket connects organizations with student talent, allowing the organizations to gain from the students’ new ideas and the students to gain real-world experience.
The partnership between the school and Airstream began in January when students made initial concept presentations for a mobile office and living space inspired by the Live Riveted campaign, which encourages Airstreamers to “Dream. Travel. Explore. Live.”
CCAD students began their mockup of the Airstream trailer with cardboard furniture and appliances representing four uniquely defined spaces: a workspace, sleeping space, bathroom and kitchen.
All nine of the school’s majors were involved. Students covered the spectrum of product research and development. Assignments ranged from designing branded apparel, building furniture, filming a documentary, designing posters for a promotional campaign, and creating glass-blown decor and accessories for the Airstream interior.
This innovative Airstream was designed for people to live out a healthy work-life balance. It allows people to travel the world and gain experiences unlike anything else, while giving them the opportunity to quickly convert their Airstream into a mobile office space at their convenience.
The rear hatch of the Airstream opens into a desk so owners can sit and work in the open air, perfect for an Airstreamer who wants to be immersed in nature while getting work done. Doors inside the Airstream are also double-duty. They are designed to open and close to create new spaces and privacy. The door dividing the bathroom from the dining area closes off the toilet; another door closes off either the shower stall or bed area. The rear of the Airstream features a twin-size bed as well.
The CCAD design fully exemplifies the Live Riveted lifestyle, showcasing how Airstreamers can travel, live, work and play, all in an Airstream.The CCAD students presented their completed Airstream, dubbed the Airstream Pursuit, at the Canzani Center on May 7.
Thank you, CCAD students, for your dedication to the design and execution of the Airstream Pursuit!
Photo by: Tyler Dunlavy, CCAD '14
