USER ANALYSIS: THE COSMIC NOMAND
Name: Dr. Étienne Moreau
Age: 58
Occupation: Astrophysicist & Independent Researcher
Location: Lyon, France (travels across Europe)
Personality & Lifestyle:
Dr. Moreau is an intellectual, and independent individual who thrives in solitude. He enjoys long road trips through scenic landscapes, finding inspiration in the night sky. His patience is reflected in his driving habits, as he prefers a smooth, controlled pace rather than rushing. While he appreciates modern conveniences, his heart belongs to the aesthetics and philosophies of the mid-20th century, particularly the 50s, 60s, and 70s. He enjoys the optimism of that era’s scientific advancements, from space-age design to retro-futuristic concepts.
He dresses elegantly, even when traveling. His style incorporates well-tailored jackets, classic leather shoes, and perhaps a turtleneck or a well-pressed shirt, embodying the European intellectual of a bygone era. His fashion choices reflect his appreciation for timeless style rather than fleeting trends.
Interests & Habits on the Road:
Stargazing & Research: His Car-stle should allow him to set up a telescope easily, possibly incorporating an observatory roof or a designated open space for observation.
Comfort & Practicality: He doesn’t need excessive luxury but wants a well-crafted interior that matches the quality of his home. A functional interior with high quality materials such as warm wood, brushed aluminum, and leather.
Dining Preferences: While he enjoys simple meals (such as tinned food for a few nights), he relishes the experience of dining in restaurants, appreciating good wine and well-prepared dishes. His Car-stle therefore does not need anything more than a camping cooker.
Hygiene & Facilities: He is content with using camping park showers or hotels, meaning the Car-stle does not require bathroom. Dr. Moreau only needs a water tank and a proper bowl to wash his face and brush his teeth. Anything else happens in proper bathrooms.
Driving Experience: He is used to driving unique cars, having inherited older classics from his parents. He appreciates vehicles with character and would favor a motorhome with a distinctive design and smooth, comfortable handling.
Design & Functional Needs for the Car-stle:
- Retro-Futuristic Aesthetic: A nod to the 50s-70s scientific vision, inspired by space-age design, mid-century modern interiors, and clean lines.
- Stargazing Integration: A built-in telescope mount, a retractable roof, or an observation dome.
- Quality Over Excess: Durable, high-quality materials with a refined touch rather than unnecessary luxury.
- Efficient Living Space: Compact but well-organized, prioritizing work and observation areas over a large sleeping space.
- Smooth Driving Experience: Suspension comfort and stability for long, peaceful drives.
LE DESIGN
Our conversion of the iconic Citroën DS brings an innovative twist to its legendary design, transforming it into a mobile observatory for a French scientist. Staying true to the car's signature pneumatic suspension, we decided that the most fitting extension would be a pneumatic one: an inflatable dome that serves as an observatory.
The construction of the new extension uses the self-inflating mechanism found in sleeping mattresses and expands to form a white bubble on the car’s roof. This extension is secured to the DS using a structural framework of bars affixed to the roof, ensuring stability while maintaining a lightweight profile. When deflated, the bubble is simply folded and stored underneath a cover – just like a roof-tent.
Access to the observatory is provided through what was once the sunroof, now repurposed as the entry point into the inflatable dome. This adaptation allows the scientist to transition easily between the interior of the car and the elevated observation space. This design not only pays homage to the DS’s pioneering engineering but also extends its innovation into new territory – transforming it into a modern, adaptable space for scientific exploration on the go without compromising on the heritage of this classic car.
CITROËN DS OBSERVATOIRE – THE FUTURE OF AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION!
Citroën proudly presents the DS Observatoire – an extraordinary fusion of engineering and elegance, now with an ingenious pneumatic extension! The legendary Citroën DS, known for its revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension, now takes innovation even further with a self-inflating observatory dome. Designed for the modern scientist, the DS Observatoire features an advanced, inflatable bubble secured seamlessly to the roof, providing an unparalleled panoramic view of the night sky. Utilizing cutting-edge pneumatic technology, the dome inflates effortlessly – just like our world-renowned suspension system – creating a mobile research station with the comfort and style expected from Citroën.
