Ford opened extension of the Design Center in Cologne

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- Ford opened its expanded design center in Cologne-Merkenich, for 11.6 million euros have been invested. The Center promotes the concept of open space with his creative ideas.
- A new so-called "power wall" allows global communication and the exchange of virtual, three-dimensional images in real time. Furthermore, new milling machines for detailed clay models installed and the existing design studios redesigned.

- The design center is the work of the teams that draw globally responsible for the design and development of small and medium-sized Ford models.
The expansion of the Ford Design Center in Cologne Merkenich is completed and is now used by the design team from Ford. In the construction project, the company has invested a total of 11.6 million euros.
The new building is characterized by a very open design, flowing shapes and creates a friendly atmosphere is the ideal base for effective communication and creative exchange. Ford has equipped the new extension including a so-called "power wall" that allows a virtual, three-dimensional display of new vehicles and concepts. In addition, were purchased new milling machines, which are made in future on the basis of CAD data particularly detailed clay models of new cars for aerodynamic tests in wind tunnel nearby. The existing design studios have been designed as part of the new extension.
"Exceptional design delineates our brand from others and delighting our customers," said Martin Smith, Executive Design Director, Ford of Europe. "The expansion of the design center creates a work environment that motivate our employees and give them the necessary freedom is the design philosophy of Ford ever again develop."
The 3,000 square meter building is home now, the team that currently holds the overall responsibility for design and development of small and medium-sized cars like the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Focus. By extending the design center now comprises a total area of ​​16,000 square meters.
"With the power wall, we can in real time with our colleagues all over the world communicate, share design ideas, demonstrate progress and discuss works from Australia, North America and Europe," said Smith.



Erika Tsubaki, supervisor and Futuring Design Strategy, Ford of Europe said: "The design of our vehicles has become increasingly important in global terms, therefore it was important to transfer to this design language is also on the extension of the design center."
"The distinctive and dynamic design reminiscent of a boat that slides out from the building. Inside the smooth transitions bring the teams closer together."
The open space concept of the extension deliberately avoided a visible separation of the individual teams. The result is a very open and inviting atmosphere - an important prerequisite for creative design processes.
"A Design Studio can not be compared with an office in the conventional sense," said Serif Celebi, design supervisor, Colour and Material Design, Ford of Europe. "There is no desk next to scream table, we need a lot of space and light to be able to view designs and concepts from different angles and distances."
"The new building with its glass facade, and encourages the continuous interior of the interaction and promoting an understanding of design and development processes."
The new building is the largest expansion of the Design Centre since the establishment of the first building for the car's design in 1968.
Note: More pictures available on request.

Ford-Werke GmbH

The Ford-Werke GmbH is a German automobile manufacturer with headquarters in Cologne. The company employs at its sites in Cologne, Saarlouis and Genk / Belgium a total of 29,000 employees. Since its inception in 1925 in Berlin, Ford has produced more than 40 million vehicles in Germany and Belgium.