The Least Common Denominator Concept

New Designers 14 Nov 2013
The Least Common Denominator Concept

This project by Oliver Elst from Pforzheim University is a study of sportscar concept that aims at finding the a common denominator out of simplicity and lightness, while exploring a new visual identity.


This Bachelor thesis by Oliver Elst from Pforzheim University was developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Germany.

Mercedes-Benz Concept by Oliver Elst - Design Sketches

Oliver’s goal was to find a combination of simplicity and lightness adopting a creative approach in terms of both visual appearance and innovative technology solutions.

Mercedes-Benz Concept by Oliver Elst - Exploded View Design Sketch

Mercedes-Benz Concept by Oliver Elst - Scale model

To achieve this, he came up with a new sandwich material made of three different layers: the two outer ones give form to the exterior and the interior while the lightweight filling layer is used for cooling or lightning and is formed as an array of small spheres – a geometric shape that minimizes the surface/volume ratio of a body, thus further expressing the idea of “reduction”.

Mercedes-Benz Concept by Oliver Elst - Scale model

The overall goal of this configuration is to visually convey a sense of lightness to the observer, which is not always the case with conventional lightweight materials.

Mercedes-Benz Concept by Oliver Elst - Scale model

Another goal was to combine several functions within individual components in order “to tidy up” the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz Concept by Oliver Elst - Scale model

The concept was awarded a special price at the “Lucky Strike Junior Design Award”, won the 5th place at the International Design Award “VDA-Best of International Design Graduates” and was shown at IAA 2013 during a special exhibition.

Mercedes-Benz Concept by Oliver Elst - Design Sketch

Mercedes-Benz Concept by Oliver Elst Mercedes-Benz Concept by Oliver Elst

About the Designer

Oliver Elst is a 24 year old Transportation Design graduate from Pforzheim University. He completed an apprenticeship as an modell-mechanican at Adam Opel GmbH.

Contact Details:

(Image Courtesy: Oliver Elst for Car Body Design)

Image Gallery

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