British Universities Film & Video Council

moving image and sound, knowledge and access

Shape of Cars to Come, The

Synopsis
The design of a mass produced object is subject to two forces - technical considerations (such as performance) and market appeal. Explores the mixture, and sometimes conflict, between these forces at work on the design of cars, and in particular the shape of their bodywork. Are the new aerodynamic body shapes (such as the Ford Sierra) a response by the designers to public pressure, based on engineering performance, or are they just a novel shape to catch the market’s eye? Includes archival film illustrating early attempts at ‘streamlining’ together with shots of modern aerodynamic test techniques.
Series
Design: Processes and Products, Course T263
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 25 min.
Year of production
1984
Availability
OUT OF DISTRIBUTION
Uses
Industrial design courses.*
Subjects
Design; Technology
Keywords
cars; engineering design

Credits

Producer
Philip Ashby
Cast
David Walker 

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web
http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window
Phone
+44 (0) 1908 274066
Address
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA
Notes
NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk

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