Ford expands its Cologne Design Center

Ford has started a €11.6 million expansion of its Cologne-based Design Center. It will be completed within the year and will include a redesign of the existing studios and a new 3,000 square meters facility.

On last 5 April Ford has started the works on the expansion of its European Design Center in Cologne-Merkenich – Germany.

The new 2-floors, 3,000 square meters extension will provide space for 100 new workplaces and will be equipped with a new “powerwall” capable of projecting vehicle and concept designs in a three-dimensional and virtual environment.

The project also includes a redesign of the existing design studios and the installation of new milling machines that create clay models based on CAD data.

The building project is the largest single expansion of the Design Centre since since it was first constructed in 1968. The main contractor for the current expansion is Wolff & Müller, Spezialbau GmbH & Co. KG, Köln. The planning of the new building is led by Ingenieurbüro WPW, Saarbrücken.

Today, the Design Center covers a total of 13,000 square meters, and includes an aerodynamic wind tunnel built in 1984.

The Design Centre provides space for a total of 250 employees from 14 nations.

In addition, a team of about 70 designers, responsible for Ford of Europe’s commercial vehicle design, is located at Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, UK, the centre of excellence for commercial vehicle development and Ford Powertrain.

Among the models designed and engineered in Cologne are the new Ford Fiesta and Focus.

“Outstanding design is what sets our brand apart and what excites our customers,” commented Martin Smith, Executive Director, Design, Ford of Europe.

“With the development of Ford kinetic design in 2005, we introduced a new design language which has given our models a distinctive and, above all, dynamic look.
“The expertise of our design team in Cologne-Merkenich is helping kinetic design to become increasingly important for Ford on a global basis.
“For the design team, the new building will be a great place to work and will provide a highly-motivational environment.”

images and text: carbodydesign