Nissan has just opened a new colour studio inside its European design headquarters in Paddington, central London.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The Studio, which covers 240 m², is situated in the south wing of the Rotunda, a converted British Rail maintenance workshop, which has been home to Nissan Design Europe (NDE) since January 2003. Seven full-time designers will be based there, working on both exploratory and production vehicles.
William Franke, Chief Designer, Colour Design Group, said: “The opening of the new colour studio is an important addition to Nissan Design Europe’s creative role. The studio will be the focal point for the colour designers to collaborate on innovative proposals for future Nissan models. We will be working on a number of projects, from concept through to production.”
The seven colour designers come from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds, their common strength being an ability to develop an atmosphere or identity through the balanced use of colour, materials and detailing.
Franke said: “All members of our team have an innate sensitivity to the nuances of colour – our goal is to apply the appropriate colour and trim to a specific vehicle. Not every car is able to have the same colour and trim execution; one must consider the shape, the concept identity, as well as practical considerations. “
The colour designers will not, however, be spending all their time in the new studio. Franke added: “Nissan’s aim is to be at the forefront of innovation in colour and interior trim. In order to do this, we encourage our designers to visit international trade fairs and exhibitions, and generally observe what is happening in the world of design and merchandising. We proactively share our experiences within Nissan’s worldwide design network.”
