When two of the most iconic British brands collaborate to make an innovative approach in the automotive industry, the result is the new Mini Strip. The driving force of this cool project is based on three key features such as simplicity, sustainability, and transparency. The makers stepped out of the traditional way and took a very minimalistic approach where they used recycled materials to make the world more sustainable.
According to Paul Smith, Mini Strip is referred to as simplicity, and it was Sir Paul’s idea to use bare essentials and eco-friendly items to design the EV. Paul Smith is a well-known British designer who is recognized for his stylish designs in the fashion industry. He also won many awards for his best works like Designer of the year (four times in a row), Outstanding achievement award, Freedom of the city Nottingham, and so on.
The Non-abstract Concept Is Appealing
As we all know that Paul Smith is known for his bold design choices, the body of the car is left raw and unpainted, where we can spot scuffs and scratches of the manufacturing process. Though Sir Paul has taken this daring step, the car still looks attractive and eye-pleasing. The car’s panoramic roof is made from the bare and recycled material called light Perspex, which gives an aesthetic appeal.
The name itself ‘Strip’ suggests stripping of the car from extravagant designs where the Mini Strip was completely stripped off and had a visible exoskeleton. This is a fresh design approach as Paul Smith has no experience and connections in the automotive industry. As a result, he came up with an innovative and unorthodox design concept. The MINI head of design Oliver Heilmer said that Paul did intensive research and asked many questions before sticking to this new automotive design language.
A New Dimension To The Exterior Design
Smith is super confident and clear about his design plan, where he left the car unpainted. Instead, he went for coating a thin transparent film on the car’s exterior, which prevents corrosion. And when asked about the grinding scars and scratches from the manufacturing process, Paul said, ‘Perfection lies in the imperfection’.
Another attractive feature of the car is its 3D printed Mini black band made from recycled plastic. The texture doesn’t look cheap at all and adds up to the overall contrast of the car. Also, several parts like grille trim and wheel cover are made from the light Perspex. Everything is naked and uncovered except for the wheels and radiator grille to improve the battery range and reduce the drag.
All The Magic Lies In The Interior
The interior of the car is even more dope than the exterior. It has got futuristic looks just like in Batman, Blade Runner, and Star Trek. All the internal parts have been intentionally left transparent excluding some parts such as the parcel shelf, dashboard, and topper pad. The blue aesthetic makes the look fancy and ultra-modern.
With the freedom to explore different areas of the design, Paul Smith made use of the recycled, bare, and ecological fabrics to the fullest. The seats are well-crafted in knitted fabric with a complete mono-material design that can be recycled. Also, the floor mats are manufactured from the recycled rubber, and the steering wheel is wrapped up with a grip tape which is a nod to Smith’s love towards bicycles. Parts like the shelf, door shoulders and dashboard pad are made from fully recyclable cork. While the vibrant orange aesthetic to the door shoulders and seat belts goes well with the blue contrast. Finally, the visible screws of the car’s body portray that it’s easy to dismantle the body and reuse the aluminium.
Sir Paul’s Take On The Car
Smith says ‘ It was astonishing to take a look back and rethink the iconic Mini. I absolutely love the existing Mini, but we have created something extraordinary by respecting the past and looking to the future. I feel very privileged that the Mini team has given me the confidence and freedom to think laterally about the approach to the design of the car. Together, I believe we have created something truly unique by going back to old school, reducing things down, and stripping the car from extravagant design.
Finally, the Mini Strip is definitely loved by a specific set of audiences and doesn’t go well with everyone. The makers have kept the production very minimal by keeping all the constraints in mind. Of course, the concepts like recycled materials, 3D-printed trim, and design layout will be seen in future cars.