To promote the development of the Korean auto culture, Kookmin University (KMU) held “Ferrari Car Design Concert” for three days at KMU Concert Hall, from on Nov. 8 to Sunday 10, along with Top Gear Korea and Daum cars.
The Ferrari Car Design Concert is offers a chance to learn car design directly from Ferrari designer Maurizio Colby, who has 30 years of experience, and about 1,000 people visited KMU over the three days. Colby is the head designer of Italian car design firm and coachbuilder Pinin-farina and a master with the computer table. Yet he keeps his driving chops by idling autos the old ways: by hand. He is also known for designing his own models, such as the F335, 550 Maranello, 456, and California, including the Ferrari 50th Anniversary F50. He also hosted Car Design Concert in the United States, Britain, Spain, and Austria.
The program consisted of three parts. The first part was Car Design Master Class, featuring Colby’s Ferrari design lecture with him designing his own super car. The second part was the Maurizio Corbi Art Exhibitions which is displayed 20 of his auto artworks. Finally, third part received feedback on his design from Colby on the optional Car Design Competitions, and the selected works went on to give him a chance to share a Ferrari with the award.
In his lecture, “Korea’s cars are excellent in many ways, including design and performance.” He added, “I hope young Koreans will have a chance to play in the global automotive design arena.”
After the lecture, Colby carefully evaluated student’s car design. “I was surprised by some of the students’ design skills and they’re good enough to apply right now.” he said. In addition to the car, Colby took a look at the sculpture exhibition featuring works designed by students of KMU’s college of formation, which boasts the highest level of design in Korea.
Many visitors who participated in this lecture said, “It was a great honor to meet the world’s design masters in person and listen to live lectures,” adding that it was a meaningful time as it was not an easy opportunity.
We sat down with Jun-Hoe Kim a student from the department of automotive engineering who participated in “The Ferrari Car Design Concert” to learn more. The following are edited excerpts from the interview.
What was the lecture about?
It was a two-hour talk. In the first hour, when Colby showed his designs for Pinin-farina. After a 10-minute break, he worked on the design for the Ferrari Hypercar’s 80th anniversary. The audience watched and followed his drawing in real time, and we were able to sketch.
How did it proceed with the Ferrari exhibition?
The vehicles on display were free to take a 10-minute break. It was a rare experience to see the world’s best cars in one place. I was especially thrilled to see Lamborghini Urs, which I personally like, for the first time.
What did you learn or feel through this lecture?
I’m personally interested in cars, which is why I’m majoring in automotive engineering. I’ve been looking forward to this lecture, but it was a little different from what I was interested in. I’m an engineer, and I'm very interested in the dynamics of the vehicle, and I was wondering how much aerodynamic content the Ferrari had actually been designed with. But Colby said he’s a designer and always tries to make a beautiful car without thinking about aerodynamics! In fact, he said he fights a lot with engineers at Pinin-farina. Still, it was a great experience for me to be able to see and listen to Colby’s lecture; the world’s greatest automobile master!
The event was held at KMU, where Korean universities have a great competitive edge in the automobile sector, and the self-made car produced by the KORA team which is KMU’s self-made automotive club also drew attention by displaying the car with a Ferrari designed by Colby. “We will continue to do our best to nurture people with practical skills who can play on the global stage,” a KMU official said, stressing that cars and designs are KMU’s biggest competitive edge.