Architecture and Car

Meijs Motorman (AIT 06 | 2017)

Meijs Motorman (AIT 06 | 2017)

“Leaving out the things that aren’t necessary” is how Ronald Meijs describes his design philosophy. The industrial designer from Maastricht had already designed numerous bicycles and prams when he recently placed a minimalist, electric two-wheeler on the market. Jan Kliebe from the architectural office MGF was more than happy to test the mixture of bicycle and small moped in and around Stuttgart and got enthusiastic about the loving retro design and the soundless, relaxed trips with the Meijs Motorman.
Marco Polo (AIT 09 | 2017)

Marco Polo (AIT 09 | 2017)

Modern looks and high-quality processing – this was the impression when test driver Andreas Witte from Scope Architekten first saw the Mercedes Marco Polo. When testing its suitability for journeys during a holiday in Ticino, he liked the comprehensive equipment, high-quality materials and functionality. His conclusion after a two-week test period: the Marco Polo is a very successful vehicle, which impresses with very great quality and excellent road behaviour.
VOLVO XC90 (AIT 11 | 2017)

VOLVO XC90 (AIT 11 | 2017)

Uta Beißert and Hendrik Gruß confirm that their Volvo XC90 test vehicle has shapely lines and well-balanced proportions. Outside as well as inside, the Hamburg architects were able to notice a high quality of design. The combination of a cosy and upscale interior and well-measured off-road capability even makes the Volvo XC90 the perfect vehicle for visiting construction sites. Only the thirst for diesel raises the question whether – despite the unique radiator grille – it really has to be an SUV.
Ford S-Max 2.01 (AIT 04 | 2017)

Ford S-Max 2.01 (AIT 04 | 2017)

Volker Vogel would have actually loved to grab the keys of the blue Ford Mustang – but the test car was the red S-Max. After quite a few kilometres, the test driver and the test car had made friends with each other to an extent that the team of Steam Architekten attested that the red minivan has all qualities of a comfortable family car as well as “plenty of room, safety and loads of technology for relatively little money” – in line with Ford’s slogan from 1955: “More car for your money”.
Lexus NX 300h (AIT 01/02 | 2017)

Lexus NX 300h (AIT 01/02 | 2017)

A pleasant museum visit combined with a test drive? Not a bad solution for a rainy Sunday, as Claus Zimmermann from Next - space Interior Design in Kassel decided and chauffeured himself and his son with the Lexus NX 300h to Zwolle in the Netherlands. They had plenty of leisure there for assessing the test vehicle and the Museum de Fundatie. Strongly inspired by the exhibits seen there, Claus Zimmermann immediately picked up a pen and became artistically active.
Audi TT (AIT 10 | 2016)

Audi TT (AIT 10 | 2016)

„So ein Auto wollte ich immer schon mal haben“, ging es Ekkehard Schröer, Innenarchitektur und Möbeldesign, aus Essen durch den Kopf, als er den zweiwöchigen Test des Audi TT antrat. Und obwohl der TT ihn anfangs etwas böse anzuschauen schien, zauberte ihm der Testwagen jeden Morgen ein breites, vorfreudiges Grinsen auf das Gesicht. Und als er dann auch noch sein geliebtes Rennrad im Kofferraum verstauen konnte, hatte der TT endgültig das Herz seines Testfahrers erobert.
Volvo XC40 (AIT 10 | 2019)

Volvo XC40 (AIT 10 | 2019)

The Volvo XC40 test-driven by Dr Wolfgang Voigt had to prove its worth in narrow alleys and car parks, on ferries and forest paths. With the tasteful compact SUV, the curator of the DAM in Frankfurt and his co-pilot (and architect) Rodrigo went for an exciting architecture excursion along the Rhine all the way to Tyrol. Voigt takes the readers on a prosaic literary digression and, at the latest after reading it, everyone knows why it is so beautiful on the Rhine as the folk song claims!
Volvo XC60 (AIT 01/02 | 2019)

Volvo XC60 (AIT 01/02 | 2019)

The chic speedster corresponds exactly to Katja Neumann's automotive preferences – she was curious to see whether the car could fulfil all of her expectations during the various test drives. The conclusion: The Volvo XC 60 was even able to meet the extraordinary demands of a dog and horse owner. The dynamic appearance, the sporty-elegant interior, and the powerful diesel engine impressed when carrying a dog box and pulling a horse trailer as well as during trips to the construction site and a weekend excursion to Bolzano.
Tesla X 100D (AIT 10 | 2018)

Tesla X 100D (AIT 10 | 2018)

Norbert Berghof is an enthusiastic Citroën DS driver and a car connoisseur – no wonder the Tesla X 100D has quite a fascination for him. During a one-week holiday, he took the opportunity and involved his whole family in thoroughly comparing the two vehicles under various aspects. His conclusion: By architectural standards – construction and appearance – the two vehicles turned out to be quite similar. The Tesla convinced with subtle and attractive details, upscale features, practical storage spaces and much functional “self-initiative”.
CaraTwo 390 (AIT 04 | 2018)

CaraTwo 390 (AIT 04 | 2018)

On a camping holiday with a caravan? “No, thanks – I am not that old yet!” was the first reaction from our colleague Henriette Sofia Steuer. After one week and a half in the Weinsberg CaraTwo, however, she had to revise her statement after all and admits that the design and the features positively surprised her. And apart from this: On a holiday in Sweden, a weatherproof roof, a reliable heating system and some refrigerated beverages from home have never done a camper any harm!
Citroën C4 Cactus (AIT 01/02 | 2018)

Citroën C4 Cactus (AIT 01/02 | 2018)

An unusual test team: Stuttgart-based interior designer Alexander Fehre takes a close look at “The Pioneer”. The concept car based on the Citroën C4 Cactus was equipped by the Hornschuch Group with its innovative surface products. The experiment is intended to provide a glimpse into the future of autonomous driving and provide an answer to new requirements in the automotive sector. Delugan Meissl's Porsche Museum provides the perfect setting as a photo location.