Christopher Deam: Restyling the classic Airstream trail

TL;DR

This content discusses the process of redesigning Airstream trailers to create a modern, contemporary interior that matches the futuristic exterior, using existing technology.

Transcript

I was asked by Wilsonart International, a plastic laminate company, which is the largest plastic laminate company in the world -- they asked me to design a trade show booth for exhibition at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York, in 2000. So looking at their three main markets for their product which were basically transportatio... Read More

Key Insights

• 👁️ The design of the trade show booth for Wilsonart International involved using an old Airstream trailer, which offered a fresh, contemporary look for showcasing laminate products.
• 🚐 There was a disconnect between the exterior shell and interior architecture of Airstream trailers, with the interiors referencing a mountain cabin rather than embodying modernity and travel.
• 🛠️ A thorough process of stripping, drawing, and mock-ups was undertaken to remove the country cabin aesthetics and create a smooth, mobile interior focused on motion and functionality.
• 📏 The continuous form of the trailer posed a challenge in terms of material transitions, but using second skins allowed for a visually harmonious and efficient design, while also serving as electrical chases.
• 💡 The success of the redesigned trailer led to another commission involving two trailers for Tokyo Designers Block, showcasing furniture design and a fantasy scenario of a DJ on tour.
• 🎧 The experience with the Tokyo trailers influenced the production trailers for Airstream, which then led to a consulting role and the opportunity to freshen up the interior design for a younger demographic.
• 💰 Despite Airstream's status as a big company, their prototype facility was similar to the designer's own shop, and the challenge was to design the interior using existing technology and without additional funding for tooling or molding.
• 🆒 The resulting Bambi 16 prototype showcased the creativity and resourcefulness of the designer, adapting to the constraints while maintaining the unique and handcrafted nature of Airstream trailers.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the designer address the design disconnect between the exterior and interior of the Airstream trailers?

The designer stripped out unnecessary materials, drew on the walls, and used second skins that floated over the aluminum shell to create the illusion of curved panels and maintain a continuous form.

Q: What was the fantasy scenario for the second trailer created for Tokyo Designers Block?

The second trailer was designed as a DJ's touring van with turntables, a wet bar, and integrated sound system, aligning with the theme of travel and escape.

Q: Why did Airstream approach the designer for freshening up their trailers?

Airstream wanted to appeal to a younger demographic and asked the designer if kids, skateboarders, surfers, and rock climbers would be interested in their trailers.

Q: What were the limitations the designer faced while working on the Bambi prototype for Airstream?

The designer had to use Airstream's existing technology and had no budget for tooling or molding, as the trailers were hand-built and required unique hand-scribed casework.

Q: How did the designer achieve a contemporary interior design with limited resources for the Bambi 16 trailer?

Despite the limitations, the designer used creative approaches such as hand-fitting casework and cutting parts big to ensure a modern interior design while utilizing Airstream's existing technology.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The designer was approached by Wilsonart International to create a trade show booth and decided to use an old Airstream trailer to showcase laminate in a fresh, contemporary way.

• The interior of the Airstream trailers had a design disconnect with the futuristic exterior, so the designer embarked on research and renovations to optimize the space and create a sense of motion and modernity.

• The designer's work on the Airstream trailer led to new commissions and eventually consultancy with Airstream to freshen up their trailers for a younger demographic.