And We Have A Winner: Baoqi Xiao Wins ‘Young Designer of the Year’ Award

ArtCenter College of Design student Baoqi Xiao has been named ‘Young Designer of the Year’, winning the prestigious ‘Neptune’ award at the ShowBoats Design Awards 2016.

The 45-metre luxury superyacht concept CERCHIO presented to the panel of experienced judges was described as “An intelligent, visually attractive and excellent starting point for a vessel that would completely fulfil the goal” (to entertain the guests of the imaginary owner, a female Italian fashion designer). CharterWorld has spoken to the 25-year old talented young designer represented by ArtCenter about his project:

What was the inspiration behind this design?

The inspiration behind this design is Italian knitwear fabric. Both the space arrangement and styling are influenced by this interlocking feature of knitwear fabric structure. The fabric has a special zig-zag pattern. This zig-zag pattern has also been enlarged and assigned colour to become an iconic design language in the Italian fashion industry. The zig-zag shape feature is the main styling design language of this concept.

What are the main characteristics of the project?

Maximising the contact between human and nature, and unique styling created based on this zig-zag pattern and knitwear fabric are the main characteristics of the project. The client is an Italian senior fashion designer. She would like to stay outdoors as much as possible while onboard. She also wants this yacht to represent her senior position in the fashion industry.

What are the most interesting/special features?

The most interesting feature is the connected outdoor space near the stern. This space includes a beach club, a large outdoor salon, an indoor salon and a cinema. The owner and her guests can easily relax for most of the day staying in this space without the need to move back and forth through hallways.

The owner’s cabin is positioned exclusively on the upper deck where the owner will be able to enjoy ultimate privacy while overlooking the entire yacht on the top deck.

Would this concept be suitable for a yacht charter purpose and why?

Yes. This concept is designed to connect the owner between her base and famous tourist attractions within the Mediterranean Sea. With the top speed of 25 knots, this boat will be good for charter within the Mediterranean Sea for a two to three day trip.

What charter destinations would this yacht be suitable for?

Mediterranean.

What are your plans for the future?

My highest priority is to finish my transportation design courses and earn a Bachelor of Science degree from ArtCenter College of Design.

We wish Baoqi Xiao all the best for the future.