Agile 4525L

Passenger Seat

Awards

External Links

Museum of Design (MOOD) (link)

Agile 4525L is a three-times award winning passenger seat design for Mercedes Sprinter 2014 (NCV3) and 2018 (VS30).

A'Design Award page: Agile 4525L by Ufuk Bircan Özkan

Official product page at Inova Otomotiv website : Agile 4525L 

Concept Sketches (2017)

INSPIRATION:

The infinity symbol which we use in our company logo catches itself after a loop. This inspired me on combining front and side surfaces of conventional seats into one surface. This created functional advantages as well as a new aesthetic perception. The seat is designed for quick short distance transportations which led me to use flowing dynamic lines. Plastic side covers were highly inspired by road cars in means of form. 

UNIQUE PROPERTIES:

Agile 4525L is designed to tear down cliches among its ordinary rivals by giving an impression of pace at short distances with dynamic lines flowing forward at sides and sweeping upwards at the back. The twist form at backrest sides creates an extraordinary aesthetic perception, helps safety belts to work efficiently and prevents hunchbacks. Innovative height adaptive belts that don't need any adjustments can adapt to passengers in any height. Images show two upholstery styles: Standard&Comfort 

INTERACTION:

Agile 4525L is a new generation travel-mate of short distance passengers. Its height-adaptive 3-point seat belt doesn't need any adjustments. It just fits everybody in any height. Dual-function button on the side panel activates both backrest reclining and lateral adjustment at the same time. Magazine net on rear side can hold magazines in A4 size. Passengers can place their mobile phones on the special mobile device pocket. 

PRODUCTION:

Design was born on paper and digital sketches first. Then 3D data was created on CAD. Some parts were 3D-printed and vacuum-formed for prototyping and final design got its shape. The seat is produced by conventional mid-level production technologies. Seat foams are molded. Metal parts inside are first shaped by laser-cutting and molds, then welded both manually and by robots. 

CHALLENGE:

The seat is designed especially for Turkish market but with a potential for exporting. Local market is very conservative and closed for innovations. This seat is one of the first steps of a change in future where seats will become more comfortable and technological. Design is one of the most important aspects of this change, where I also had to consider our customer company's design language used in their vehicles. Combining form and function together in twist form brought the success. 

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:

The project started in Bursa in January 2017 and finished in October 2018. First prototype was exhibited in October 2017 in Busworld Kortrijk. Finished product was announced in September 2018 in Hannover at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018. 

Gallery

Design Week Turkey 2018, İstanbul

Design Week Turkey 2018, İstanbul

Design Week Turkey 2018, İstanbul

Design Week Turkey 2018, İstanbul

Design Week Turkey 2018, İstanbul

Mecedes-Benz website

For journalists and members of the press, we're pleased to offer an extensive electronic press kit for our Bronze A' Design Award-winning project, Agile 4525L Passenger Seat. This press kit includes high-resolution images, exclusive photos, interviews, and more. Click here to download our press kit (ZIP File).