Speaker: Elmer van Grondelle (TU Delft)

Automotive design has become infinitely more complex. Dwindling opportunities for the designer to create something unique while the number of cars to compete with multiplies, and the stakes get higher and higher. This increasing pressure can be summarily considered internal where by 'internal' we mean the automotive industry, built on emotional brand values, beyond rationalism. Meanwhile, while said internal factors are tirelessly growing, external pressures are also increasing. From the social social paradigm, the friction between individual desires and collective needs, everyone owning their own car is no longer the dogma. This expresses itself literally, for now in urban areas, in diminishing opportunities and space for the car. It puts a question mark on the current design of our mobility thinking and the role of the car designer in it.

Elmer van Grondelle is a lecturer at TU Delft. His expertise is in Automotive Design (Styling), Strategy Design, Design processes, Design methods and Future human mobility.

This event will take place OFFLINE only on Wednesday 15 November 2025.

This event will be held at Se7en restaurant. You are welcome to join us for a preliminary dinner from 18h - 19.30h (own cost of €25 at start), please indicate this at least three days in advance when registering. Participation in the lecture is free, 7.30pm to +/- 9pm.