Philippe Starck Winter Gondola Concept
Designer Philippe Starck has introduced the "Dream of Winter Gondola." Designed for VeniSIA — a corporate accelerator with the ultimate aim to turn Venice into the oldest city of the future r— the concept reimagines the city's iconic rowboat as a futuristic vessel for winter visitors. it features a black bio-resin hull and oar made from arachnid laminated seaweed and a paint finish with shark skin texture for drag reduction. A sliding roof forged from vacuum molded gorilla glass will protect guests from the cool air as they ride through the canals on the leather upholstered sofa, propelled by a solar-powered mini electric turbine. Although the winter gondola is just a dream and is not meant to be realized, a 3D image of the project will be exhibited at the Ca 'Foscari Strategy Innovation Hub.
Photos: Philippe Starck