Transportation & automobile design

Transportation in India has been largely technology driven with little attention paid to consumer needs, energy conservation, cultural sensitivities and environmental concerns in automobile design. But with the transportation demand in India’s burgeoning economy growing rapidly, these factors are all set to play a crucial role.

Some of the premier institutes around the country have risen to the occasion and have introduced a number of transportation and automobile design courses.

The National Institute of Design (NID) offers a two-and-half-year postgraduate course in Transportation & Automobile Design. The course equips one to function as a professional designer in the transportation and automotive sector of the industry.

It helps professions develop an understanding of the socio-economic, cultural, ecological and environmental contexts of transportation design and ethical responsibilities of a professional designer.

They are trained to design not just automobiles but all mobility vehicles. “Our students are trained to design not just automobiles, but also water vessels, trucks and so on. They can plan bus stops, railway stations and even automobile related equipment,” says P. Vyas, mentor of the course.

NID’s design department has also recently setup a collaboration with the reputed Domus Academy of Milan, Italy offering an Integrated Degree at the post-graduate level.

Students will have the opportunity to avail of the partial scholarships being offered by Domus Academy exclusively to NID. This has been initiated with the aim of creating awareness and exposure to the students at an international level and further facilitating their learning and growth.

The placement opportunities too are promising. “Our students are lapped up by companies like General Motors, Tata, Maruti, TVS. We ensure hundred per cent placements,” says Vyas.The eligibility criterion is 10+2+4. That is, one should possess either a B.E, B.Tech or a B.Arch degree. The intake is limited with just ten students.