Hyundai Motor Group and RISD Collaborate on Future of Sustainable Mobility Through Biodesign
Hyundai Motor Group and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) are excited to announce the continuation of their innovative partnership that explores advanced biodesign in the context of mobility. As the collaboration enters its sixth year, it focuses on the 2025–26 theme of "Tangible Futures." This initiative fosters a creative environment where an interdisciplinary approach to art and design nurtures solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and aesthetically pleasing.
The partnership integrates faculty and students from RISD with designers from Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia. Together, they embark on a unique journey to explore cutting-edge materials and methodologies that not only enhance product design but also promote a more sustainable relationship between humans and the planet. By engaging with the natural world, participants are encouraged to innovate biologically-inspired solutions for future mobility.
The Regeneration Studio at RISD serves as the focal point of this research effort. Directed by experts from the Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab, it emphasizes an investigative approach, focusing on biomimicry and biodesign methodologies that drive the design process. Students will participate in courses and summer research programs, collaborating closely with Hyundai design engineers. These initiatives aim to create a rich tapestry of ideas that bridge the gap between creativity and science, generating actionable results that echo the principles of sustainability.
"We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group," stated Crystal Williams, President of RISD. "This partnership embodies our shared commitment to societal advancement through innovative and responsible design practices. Working with South Korean designers has fostered a trust that drives this project forward."
SangYup Lee, EVP and Head of Hyundai Genesis Global Design, emphasized the human aspect of design, stating, "Our exploration is rooted in understanding human experiences while drawing inspiration from nature's wisdom. It's about creating designs that are regenerative and harmonize with the ecosystem."
Throughout the academic year, students will engage in comprehensive studio courses, with rigorous scientific inquiry helping them dive into deep biomimicry practices. The collaboration operates on a philosophy of inquiry and experimentation, cultivating an environment where students can prototype future design outcomes responsibly.
Moreover, the summer sessions grant teams of designers and engineers from Hyundai the chance to participate in hands-on experiences within the Nature Lab, collaborating with selected Sustainability Fellows to develop new strategies and innovations in regenerative design.
The partnership reinforces the notion that design has the potential to restore connections with living systems and emphasizes action-oriented outcomes that take ecological principles into account. As stated by Touba Ghadessi, RISD's Provost, "We embrace the responsibility that comes with our influential role in the design sector. This partnership is about amplifying design solutions that foster a healthier planet."
As this innovative collaboration unfolds, it not only shapes tomorrow’s mobility solutions but also models a sustainable future that younger generations can aspire to. Karim Habib, EVP and Head of Kia Global Design, encapsulates this vision by saying, "We draw our inspiration from nature, as it compels us to envision a future that reflects our responsibility towards the planet."
Overall, the ongoing partnership between Hyundai Motor Group and RISD not only highlights the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in design education but also marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of sustainable mobility practices. By leveraging creativity to address crucial global challenges, both institutions are paving the way for transformative solutions that benefit society and the environment.
For more engaging updates from this partnership, visit their respective websites where high-resolution images and further insights into this groundbreaking collaboration can be accessed.