RAM Phoenix

REBORN FROM FIRE

The RAM Phoenix is my thesis project. The main topic is biodiversity and how a vehicle can boost or help mantain it. The Phoenix, is a vehicle designed to optimize the practice of Prescribed Burning, it’s mission being fire prevention in the regions of Mediterranean Climate.

Concept Developement

THE PHOENIX

The naming for the project was thought of when thinking metaphorically about the process of prescribed burns.

In a very poetic way, the prescribed burn creates life thru fire, which is very similar to what the methological creature “Phoenix” does, burning once it’s life is close to an end and being reborn from it’s ashes.

Fire Statistics

THE EVOLUTION OF FIRE

Although most experts insist forest fires are getting worse, the statistics of forest fires in the most fire prone regions of the Mediterranean Basin don’t reflect this.

The trend for these regions suggest a decrese in forest fires, and this is due to Government Agencies creating advertisement campaigns to increase the awareness of it’s residents, as well as better fire prevention techniques.

In the case of Spain and Portugal, their data still shows a large amount of fires and hectares burnt, the reason being their geography, their extensive greenland and abundant greenery and lack of a proper fire fighter force.

Regardless, it is belived that forest fires isn’t just a problem for these regions, as there has been reports of fires happening in the North Pole.

Prescribed Burn

BRINGING LIFE FROM FIRE

Prescribed burns are an old technique the Native Americans used to revitalize and clean forests from debris and natural fuels to avoid super destructive wildfires.

Vehicle Typology

MORE THAN A FIRE TRUCK

The Phoenix will be a mix in between a Van and an Off-Road vehicle.

Mixing these style of vehicles offers the optimal set up for the purpose we have set for it. As the Phoenix will be used in many different regions, the capabilities of an Off-Road vehicle are necessary, while vans have the best package when space is needed in a relatively compact footprint.

Package

OPTIMIZING SPACE

When off roading, it is optimal to have a lightweight and compact vehicle, as it results in the vehicle being able to manuver thru tight spaces and it’s less likely to dig itself into the ground. We propose the size be less then 5 meters long and 2 meters wide, with attack and departure angles atleast of 45% for ease of drive in complicated terrains.

Design Themes & Values

HIGH TECH & STRONG

RAM is an american pick-up truck manufacturer, originally a model of the Dodge brand.

RAM has a very strong positioning, as they are the middle ground between a Ford and a Chevrolet, and have seen an increase in latter years as they’ve been loading their vehicles with new technology and features.

With this recent concept they’ve introduced, they are showcasing the future direction of their pick-up truck models. With very strong creases and powerful stance, and a digital feeling to it with the light up logos they make use of.