Gondola

Electric Hydrofoil for Central Academy of Fine Arts-Mobility Innovation (Transportation) Design

The Gondola Hydrofoil utilizes a minimalist design concept. It combines the elegance of a gondola with the dynamism of a hydrofoil, blending traditional culture with modern aesthetics to create a new water tourism experience for Venice, as well as other coastal areas, based on Venetian culture. It is capable of switching between high-speed movement and leisurely cruising, ensuring that it meets the needs of users in different situations and enhances the traveling experience. The research project not only designed the hydrofoil, but also explored a new research path for tourism experiences.

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Gondola by Wang Yuchen

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Electric Hydrofoil by Wang Yuchen

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Wang Yuchen Gondola

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Wang Yuchen Electric Hydrofoil

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Unique Properties

Combining the elegance of a gondola with the dynamism of a hydrofoil, it blends traditional culture with modern aesthetics to create a new water sports experience. And it echoes the long history of Venice's culture. At the same time, this is an electric boat, quiet, elegant and environmentally friendly. It can accommodate 4 passengers.

Tags

Gondola, Hydrofoil, Yacht Design, Venice Tourism, Zero Emissions

Production Technology

The boat's hull is made of aluminum with a platinum-colored metallic paint finish that echoes the glossy metal used throughout, providing a good sense of texture. The hydrofoils and hull support structures have versatile attributes and are made of stronger carbon fiber and other composite materials that add to the boat's sporty feel. The canvas soft top of the canopy is made of a high-grade fabric mixed with metallic filaments. Meanwhile, the luggage compartment deck is made of high-grade teak, adding to the boat's luxurious feel.

Design Challenge

I strolled along the riverbanks of Venice and saw gondolas and luxury yachts, which sparked my passion and inspiration for design. How to perfectly incorporate the gondola design elements into the hydrofoil design posed a challenge to me. It required a lot of sketches and modeling to ensure the traditional aesthetics of elegance and luxury, but also the futuristic aesthetics of modern technology. There were also challenges of cultural differences from different countries, and I needed to study the relevant materials in greater depth.

Project Duration

The project launched in Qingdao, China in August 2023, and the preliminary model of the project was presented at Milan Design Week in April 2024, and reached its final stages by June 2024.

Operation Flow

The boat is equipped with hydrofoils that can be rotated and propellers that can be raised and lowered, as well as an electric motor for high maneuverability. At the same time, the boat is capable of switching between high-speed movement and leisurely cruising, ensuring that it meets the needs of users in different situations and enhances the traveling experience.

Research

Taking inspiration from Venice's elegant and luxurious gondolas, combining traditional culture with modern aesthetics, a new hydrofoil has been designed to create a new water tourism experience based on Venetian culture for Venice as well as other waterfront regions. The research project has not only resulted in the design of a hydrofoil, but has also explored a new research path for tourism experiences in other culturally diverse regions.

Inspiration

The design draws inspiration from the traditional Venetian boat, the gondola. In terms of structural design, the classical Italian design culture plays an important role. The curved moon-like lines of the gondola, especially the detailing on the six-toothed battle-axe halberd at the bow, were a major source of inspiration. This cultural influence is evident throughout the project.

Image Credits

Image #1: Creator Yuchen Wang, Gondola, 2024. Image #2: Creator Yuchen Wang, Gondola, 2024. Image #3: Creator Yuchen Wang, Gondola, 2024. Image #4: Creator Yuchen Wang, Gondola, 2024. Image #5: Creator Yuchen Wang, Gondola, 2024.

Project Overview

Gondola Electric Hydrofoil has been a Iron winner in the Yacht and Marine Vessels Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Wang Yuchen was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Gondola Electric Hydrofoil.

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