The list of topics discussed at the 2012 Superyacht Design Symposium has been preserved below, for your records:
Making the most of outdoor living space
• Achieving a harmonious balance between interior and exterior spaces
• Outdoor features: water features, fire pits etc
• Opening up underused interior spaces and better exploiting exterior spaces
• Innovations in sun and wind barriers for use on outdoor spaces
How bow shapes define style and performance
• Beyond the faddish
• Impact on performance, aesthetics and marketing
• Relationship between the designer and the naval architect
• Functionality and constraints in the general arrangement
Working with the Classification Societies – embracing innovation
• Enhancing communication between the classification societies and the superyacht industry
• Ways to move the industry forward in partnership
• How the classification societies deal with ‘out of the box’ suggestions and solutions provided by the superyacht industry
• How to successfully involve classification societies in the design and build teams
Uncharted waters for Explorer Yachts and Family Cruisers
• Addressing the lifestyle needs of the new breed of younger superyacht owners who are embracing family adventure cruising
• Giving real consideration to the needs of children on board (educational and recreational)
• Exploring lifestyle orientated aesthetic (taking inspiration from the world of villas, private houses, resorts etc)
• Environmental issues – the challenges of zero footprint
Defining beauty in yachts – the new aesthetic
• What are the ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ of prospective owners in terms of aesthetics?
• What is ‘objective’ and what is ‘subjective’ when defining beauty in yacht design?
• Glorification of form: essence and excess
• Are designers pushing the ugly-beautiful to uncomfortable heights?
• The duty of the designer – basic design principles as opposed the superficial notion of ‘styling’
• Sail versus motor
AV and Communications – tomorrow’s world and today’s challenge
• Challenges for interior designers: where to situate the rack on board / disguising TV screens when not in use etc.
• Understanding what owners want and need: technology that is simple, robust and which works
• Technology for projecting 3D mock ups onto a wall as a way to facilitate the decision making process with respect to the owner in the conception phase of a new build
• Pull-through / cross over from other industries (cruise ships, theme parks etc. ..)
• Clear and timely communication and process co-ordination between the naval architect / interior designer / technical director and AV expert at the drawing up and elaboration of the GA
• Mast design
• The latest and greatest in innovation
Advances in design of performance cruising sail boats
• Technology trickledown from racing into cruising – the new generation of performance oriented cruising yachts
• Adapting design and technology from ocean racing yachts to high performance superyachts
• Hull shape and appendages (keel and rudder design)
• Spars and rigging design
• Sails and sail design
• Sail handling systems
• Keeping weight down: pull through technology from private jet interiors
• High tech materials and the use of carbon fiber
On-board spas and wellness areas – raising the bar
• What are the key wishes and expectations of superyacht owners concerning spas and wellness areas on superyachts?
• Where to place them on a yacht / challenging the classic general arrangement of a superyacht
• Design and technical challenges of creating high spec industrial grade, plunge pools, gyms, saunas and treatment rooms
• Creating mood and ambiance / indoor and outdoor space
Innovative materials: Yacht coatings
• How to maintain quality of finish while reducing toxicity?
• Technological innovation
• A view from a major shipyard on the status of marine paint
• Why is paint failure so commonplace even in high quality build environments?