“Velomobiles currently appeal to niche, enthusiast markets through a range of both low scale production and D.I.Y processes.”

“This paper explores the current limitations in promoting velomobiles as a commuter alternative to the automobile in that it proposes velomobile diversity be approached through the application of dynamic, emotive styling, vehicular packaging variations and functional storage, together with the use of sustainable construction materials with techniques that reduce assembly and fabrication costs.”

“To this end, the paper discusses two conceptual case studies that explore applied industrial design processes, diverse construction and alternative manufacturing techniques. Both are positioned outside current fabrication processes, where one explores ‘natural’ production – specifically, the pre-harvest deformation of bamboo with shape tessellation to reduce parts complexity whilst allowing natural processes to fulfil pre-determined forms – and the other reuses post-consumer waste in an interminably variable tensegrity frame construction designed for continued open-source development.”

Designing for Velomobile Diversity: Alternative opportunities for sustainable personal mobility (PDF). Alexander Vittouris and Mark Richardson, 7th International Velomobile Seminar, september 2012. Picture: Softshell concept velomobile.

Previously: Electric velomobiles: as fast and comfortable as automobiles, but 80 times more efficient.