Wednesday, October 19, 2005

IIT College of Architecture Students Designing Proposed 1st US Dealership for Fuel Efficient, Environmentally-Friendly SMART Car

Chicago, Oct 17, 2005 — Chicago, October 17, 2005—Students at Illinois Institute of Technology’s (IIT) College of Architecture will be presenting their proposed dealership building designs to a representative of ZAP, a California company that modifies the high-mileage, environmentally friendly European import for use in the U.S. The third-year studio architecture students will present their designs at S.R. Crown Hall, 3360 S. State Street on Wednesday, October 19, noon to 6:00 pm.

Although a wide array of approaches are being considered, many student proposals will incorporate sustainable design into ZAP’s business plan to create a technologically-advanced transportation dealership.

"This is an exciting opportunity; it’s not often that students get the chance to present their work for the consideration of corporate executives," said Studio Professor Tom Brock.

ZAP, which produces its own zero pollution-emitting vehicles, has exclusive rights to import and modify the SMART Car for American road use and will be considering the student designs for their first North American dealership.

"We’re grateful that Tom Brock has chosen this exercise for his students," said Alex Campbell ZAP’s

Director of Marketing. "Not only do they learn about future transportation, but they are helping our pioneering efforts in this area."

Currently, only 10 SMART Cars are on North American roads; one, driven by Rupert Lloyd-Thomas from his home in Toronto, will be at Crown Hall when the student projects are being reviewed.

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