College for Creative Studies Announces Concept Car Awards

DETROIT, Jan. 15, 2003; Design transportation students from The College for Creative Studies (CCS) have selected the winners of the first annual Creative Concept Student Awards (CCS Awards) saluting concept vehicles displayed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

While there are many automotive awards, the CCS Awards are unique in that students are the exclusive judges. "Our students, the automotive designers of tomorrow, can offer tremendous insight into the design ideas of today," said Richard L. Rogers, CCS president.

And the winners are ...

The Vehicle as Sculpture -- Cadillac Sixteen

This vehicle, which exemplifies artistic and emotional form innovation, was judged based on image of speed, freeform, emotion and exploration. "I was blown away when I first saw that car," said Rob Hunwick, one of the CCS judges. "It makes such a bold statement, but it's plain and simply beautiful. The lines are simple, the proportions are great and it all came together as one awesome package."

The Vehicle as Machine -- Dodge Tomahawk

Vehicles were judged based on function, power, mechanical advantage and how the appearance reflects the function. "That bike's just incredible," said fellow judge Antonio Molinari. "With its exposed parts and how it's built around a single engine, it just screams that it's a powerful machine."

The Green Award -- Ford Model U

The Ford Model U exemplifies concern for the future and recyclability of parts, in addition to fuel and pollution minimization. Criteria included planet friendliness, use of alternative fuels, and efficient ideas in parts, materials and processes. "I voted for the Ford Model U because of its extensive use of recyclable materials, such as the interior panels and fabric," said Darren Luke. "Ford proved that recyclable materials can be used in a futuristic, attractive manner without comprising design."

The Human Award -- Chevrolet Cheyenne

The Chevrolet Cheyenne exemplifies new efforts in the way people interact with the vehicle. Vehicles were judged based upon user friendliness, interface innovations, and interaction with the driver. "That truck is so adaptable to workers," said Hunwick. "It functions as a truck, but is user friendly the way it opens in different ways -- through the two side entrances. Chevy really took the time to design a truck that's conducive to the needs of the target audience."

Designer's Design Award -- Ford Mustang

According to the judges, this is the vehicle that must be built. It is the best in the show. The Mustang exemplifies innovation, emotion, refinement, and the ability to transcend the common. "The first time I saw the new Mustang, I wanted to buy it right on the spot -- and I still do," said Molinari. "It's a real challenge to redesign such an icon, but its heritage has been successfully captured."

In addition to Hunwick, Molinari, and Luke, the CCS Awards judges are Justin DiCocco, Ryan Paul, Adrian Goring, Kahn Hall, and Gary Ruiz.

The College for Creative Studies is one of the nation's leading arts education institutions. A private, fully accredited, four-year college, CCS offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in animation and digital media, communication design, crafts, fine arts, illustration, industrial design, interior design, and photography. CCS is credited with having one of the world's most recognized programs in transportation design and for placing more graduates in automotive design than any other school. The college also offers non-credit courses in the visual arts through its Continuing Education programs and opportunities for youth through Community Arts Partnerships.

CCS is located in Detroit's Cultural Center, where it provides a dynamic learning environment in which students explore issues of art and design, and the culture in which they exist, while preparing for careers in the professional world.