Ford Opens new €11.6 Million Design Center in Cologne, Germany

FordFordUnited Kingdom, 1909 > present33 models
3718 photos
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has opened its largest expansion to its Cologne, Germany design center since 1968 with an €11.6 million addition. The expansion added 3,000m² to bring the building's total area to 16,000m². The center is responsible for the design of Ford's compact cars like the FiestaFord Fiesta Gen.6United States of America, 2008 > 2017204 versions
299 photos
and FocusFord Focus Gen.3 [III]United States of America, 2012 > present10 versions
23 photos
. 

The design of the expansion is meant to carry Ford's current design language. There are no barriers between the various areas in order to foster communication and a feeling of inclusion among the workers. 

“The design of all of our vehicles has become increasingly important for Ford on a global basis, so we were keen to employ the same design language in the construction of the new Design Centre expansion. Its distinctive and dynamic construction is reminiscent of a boat, floating out of the center, while the fluid interior brings our different teams closer together," said Erika Tsubaki, supervisor for design strategy at Ford of Europe.

The expansion includes a virtual reality wall that can project vehicles and concepts in three dimensions for fine-tuning design and ergonomics. The wall also allows for communication with other Ford centers and show how designs are progressing. Ford also added milling machines for clay models that create models faster and more precisely thanks to computer-aided design. It also redesigned some of the existing studios at the center. 

“Outstanding design is one of the things that sets our brand apart and excites our customers. The Design Centre expansion will provide employees with a highly-motivational environment in which they are free to further develop Ford’s design philosophy," said Martin Smith, executive design director at Ford of Europe.