WORK is underway at Coventry University’s multimillion pound National Transport Design Centre to boost design innovation and bridge a shortfall in creative skills.
The centre will feature a six metre power wall allowing designers and engineers to explore transport concepts in virtual reality, and projection mapping technology to enable intricate digital designs to be cast onto 3D surfaces.
Students, researchers and transport industry professionals will also be invited to access the latest clay milling facilities for creating physical models of vehicles as part of the design process.
An initial £7 million contribution has been made to the new centre by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the government’s multimillion pound local growth deal.
Kier Construction and architects Glancy Nicholls are working together on the project, and it is anticipated the centre will be complete and ready to open its doors to support businesses in the transport sector in 2017.
David Wright, director of strategic initiatives at Coventry University, said the new centre aims to be the focal point of transport design in the UK and Europe.
He added: “If Coventry is to grow its competitive position as a leader in transport design, then we need to be ensure that specialised skills do not fade away.
“We already know that creative skills like design and modelling will soon be in short supply if an ageing workforce retires without capable graduates and trainees coming through.
“It is therefore critical that facilities and education pathways are in place to encourage more young people to join the industry.”
