At the age of 13 Domagoj Dukec already knew what he wanted to be: a designer. His father took him to present some sketches at the university’s design school. Later, he was introduced to some basic concepts of car design. He attended the School of Design. After having spent several years in internships and in renowned design studios in Barcelona, Paris and São Paulo, Domagoj Dukec joined BMW’s exterior design team in August 2013. The Frankfurt-born Croatian became head of design at BMW i and BMW M in late 2016. His portfolio is bursting with exterior design projects: the BMW Active Tourer; BMW X1; BMW 2 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series and the exteriors of concept cars such as the Vision Connected Drive, Vision Future Luxury, BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage, among others. In addition to designing, Domagoj likes to cook, to travel, whether to the mountains or to the sea.
Was combining the creativity of Memphis Design with the good taste of BMW the perfect marriage for finding inspiration in the creation of BMW i3 and BMW i8?
In the 1980s, the Memphis Group questioned several prevailing principles, such as ‘Form Follows Function’. Questioning these principles gave rise to new ideas for producing and selling designs with different forms and materials. In this way, Memphis became a symbol of contemporary design and its very exciting designs had a high recognised value.
At BMW Group, we follow a similar approach to the Memphis Group when designing BMW i vehicles. In their production we question the design language of a ‘typical’ vehicle and redesign new design concepts from scratch.
First-generation electric vehicles were predominantly designed to attract attention and, just like the Memphis Group, BMW Group analysed the use of new materials in their products. BMW Group was the first automotive manufacturer to use plastic reinforced with carbon fibre for industrial mass production, just as it was also the first automotive manufacturer to use new interior materials such as sustainably tanned leather.
"MEMPHIS BECAME A SYMBOL OF CONTEMPORARY DESIGN”
Why did you choose the Salone del Mobile, in Italy, to present the designs for the first time?
BMW Group chose the Salone del Mobile for its world launch, as this is a trade show where the latest developments in international design are presented each year. As such, it made perfect sense to celebrate our ‘hommage’ to Memphis Design along with an enthusiastic design crowd present at the Salone del Mobile. Milan is also home to the Memphis Group and Garage Italia Customs, while BMW i MemphisStyle Designs was partially produced in this city.
What do the new version of the BMW i3 and the BMW i8 bring in particular to the car market?
The BMW i3 and the BMW i8 were launched a few years ago and have suffered no product changes with these versions, only design changes. The BMW i MemphisStyle Editions feature new interior and exterior designs that were created by Garage Italia Customs.
"THE BMW IMEMPHISSTYLE DESIGNS WAS PARTIALLY PRODUCED IN THIS CITY (MILAN)”
How did the electric BMW i3, with its new design and greater range come to revolutionise the world of electric mobility?
The BMW i3 was designed for electric mobility in urban environments, but it is more than an electric vehicle – it is a visionary concept that combines the concept of electric car for everyday use, innovative mobility services, local public transport and a new understanding of the concept of sustainability. The services recently developed by BMW i ConnectedDrive are an important part of this concept, by enabling a smart, comprehensive and sustainable mobility experience.
One of the most prominent features is the BMW i Remote App, available for iOS and Android. In this application, you can access detailed information on the current state of the BMW i3 – for example: the location of the car, the range and charge level of the battery and service messages, as well as information on whether the doors are locked and the lights have been switched off. The charging process can be started remotely through the weekly timer and the air conditioner can be activated remotely, before starting a journey. The dynamic range map is also integrated into the BMW i Remote App. Destinations, points of interest and locations of charging stations can easily be sent from the application directly to the car. The BMW i Remote App also measures the efficiency of each journey and gives useful tips on how to drive more efficiently and extend the battery charge. The efficiency value of each trip can be anonymously shared and compared.
And does the i8 have a competitor?
The BMW i8 is a sports hybrid plug-in with the fuel consumption of a concept car. Within its segment the BMW i8 has no competitors.
And what other interests do you have in your life, in addition to this world of design?
I like to cook and good food. I like travelling and being in the mountains, or beside the sea, in places where you can relax.
Was combining the creativity of Memphis Design with the good taste of BMW the perfect marriage for finding inspiration in the creation of BMW i3 and BMW i8?
In the 1980s, the Memphis Group questioned several prevailing principles, such as ‘Form Follows Function’. Questioning these principles gave rise to new ideas for producing and selling designs with different forms and materials. In this way, Memphis became a symbol of contemporary design and its very exciting designs had a high recognised value.
At BMW Group, we follow a similar approach to the Memphis Group when designing BMW i vehicles. In their production we question the design language of a ‘typical’ vehicle and redesign new design concepts from scratch.
First-generation electric vehicles were predominantly designed to attract attention and, just like the Memphis Group, BMW Group analysed the use of new materials in their products. BMW Group was the first automotive manufacturer to use plastic reinforced with carbon fibre for industrial mass production, just as it was also the first automotive manufacturer to use new interior materials such as sustainably tanned leather.
"MEMPHIS BECAME A SYMBOL OF CONTEMPORARY DESIGN”
Why did you choose the Salone del Mobile, in Italy, to present the designs for the first time?
BMW Group chose the Salone del Mobile for its world launch, as this is a trade show where the latest developments in international design are presented each year. As such, it made perfect sense to celebrate our ‘hommage’ to Memphis Design along with an enthusiastic design crowd present at the Salone del Mobile. Milan is also home to the Memphis Group and Garage Italia Customs, while BMW i MemphisStyle Designs was partially produced in this city.
What do the new version of the BMW i3 and the BMW i8 bring in particular to the car market?
The BMW i3 and the BMW i8 were launched a few years ago and have suffered no product changes with these versions, only design changes. The BMW i MemphisStyle Editions feature new interior and exterior designs that were created by Garage Italia Customs.
"THE BMW IMEMPHISSTYLE DESIGNS WAS PARTIALLY PRODUCED IN THIS CITY (MILAN)”
How did the electric BMW i3, with its new design and greater range come to revolutionise the world of electric mobility?
The BMW i3 was designed for electric mobility in urban environments, but it is more than an electric vehicle – it is a visionary concept that combines the concept of electric car for everyday use, innovative mobility services, local public transport and a new understanding of the concept of sustainability. The services recently developed by BMW i ConnectedDrive are an important part of this concept, by enabling a smart, comprehensive and sustainable mobility experience.
One of the most prominent features is the BMW i Remote App, available for iOS and Android. In this application, you can access detailed information on the current state of the BMW i3 – for example: the location of the car, the range and charge level of the battery and service messages, as well as information on whether the doors are locked and the lights have been switched off. The charging process can be started remotely through the weekly timer and the air conditioner can be activated remotely, before starting a journey. The dynamic range map is also integrated into the BMW i Remote App. Destinations, points of interest and locations of charging stations can easily be sent from the application directly to the car. The BMW i Remote App also measures the efficiency of each journey and gives useful tips on how to drive more efficiently and extend the battery charge. The efficiency value of each trip can be anonymously shared and compared.
And does the i8 have a competitor?
The BMW i8 is a sports hybrid plug-in with the fuel consumption of a concept car. Within its segment the BMW i8 has no competitors.
And what other interests do you have in your life, in addition to this world of design?
I like to cook and good food. I like travelling and being in the mountains, or beside the sea, in places where you can relax.
