#11 | Curiosity Is Key | Chris Bangle

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Chris Bangle, renowned for his transformative work in the automotive design world and former BMW Chief of Design, is an authority in Design. His consultancy, Chris Bangle Associates (CBA), is based in Italy and has been a beacon of innovation.
Now, taking another bold step, Bangle has launched Inanimatti Inc., a production business set to debut its first project at Mipcom.
During his 17-year tenure leading Design for BMW, Bangle was celebrated for reimagining iconic brands such as Mini, Rolls Royce, and BMW designs.
His early influences trace back to hands-on experiences, like working in a printing shop, which instilled a tangible sense of creation in him. Educated at ArtCenter, Chris imbibed a rigorous design philosophy, emphasizing meticulous craftsmanship. His passion extends to comics, using them as tools to communicate sustainability in Design.
One of the most poignant examples of his empathetic approach is the Design project RED, which delves into the needs of the car's occupants, which stands over 90% still, and into pregnant women's unique needs and challenges. Such an empathetic approach ensures that products resonate on a deeply personal level with their users. Chris champions design, emphasizing sustainability, empathy, and the importance of collaboration, as seen in the "Deep Blue" project.
However, he's not without concerns, notably about the car design industry's current trajectory. A fun anecdote he shared was the "Great Horse Manure Crisis" of the 1800s, highlighting how innovation can tackle unforeseen challenges.
But Chris's innovation doesn't stop at cars or comics. His company is creating an animation series titled "Arky Arch Adventures," promising to be a delightful experience for kids and adults. This series, infused with the same ethos of empathy and innovation, is touted to be unlike anything we've seen before, marking the debut of Chris Bangle's production company, Inanimatti Inc.
Throughout his career, Chris has consistently advocated for continuous learning and challenging the status quo.
Links:
Linkedin Chris Bangle
www.chrisbangleassociates.com
www.arkyarch.com

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