Specialization “EXTERIOR CAR DESIGN”
Start date: September 6th, 2027
Overview:
Exterior Car Design is where proportion, stance, surface and identity come together to define the character of a vehicle. At MAD, students develop their ability to sketch, model and refine automotive forms, moving from initial concepts to sophisticated design proposals. Working in the heart of Motor Valley, they learn to create designs that are not only visually compelling, but technically credible and ready for the demands of the automotive industry.
Design Philosophy — Exterior Car Design
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Proportion & Stance
Establishing powerful proportions, distinctive architectures, and a strong visual presence that define the character of the vehicle.
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Form & Surface
Exploring volumes, surfaces, tension, transitions, and advanced geometries to create expressive and sophisticated automotive forms.
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Aesthetics–Engineering Integration
Balancing creative ambition with aerodynamics, packaging, technology, manufacturing requirements, and technical feasibility.
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Brand & Visual Identity
Developing a coherent design language that expresses the values, heritage, and future direction of a brand.
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Emotional Impact
Creating vehicles that generate an immediate emotional response and remain memorable through their form, stance, and personality.
Course Structure:
Theoretical Modules:
Automotive design history, proportion and architecture, advanced surfacing, aerodynamics, vehicle packaging, materials, manufacturing processes, brand identity, and emerging automotive technologies.
Practical Workshops:
Freehand sketching, digital rendering, 3D modelling, Alias/CAD development, clay modelling, surfacing, and presentation techniques.
Interdisciplinary Labs
Collaboration with engineering and technology disciplines to connect exterior design with aerodynamics, packaging, materials, manufacturing, lighting, and vehicle performance.
Final Project.
Development of a complete exterior vehicle design, progressing from research and ideation through sketching, digital modelling and physical or virtual prototyping, supported by a coherent brand and design narrative.