(from Swarovski Press Release)  Ross Lovegrove recently won The World Technology Prize for Design in San Francisco, and after considering ‘Swarovski Crystal Aerospace’ for Swarovski Crystal Palace, one can recognise why. Lovegrove’s focus for this design is transport and sustainability; he presents a solar powered hybrid concept car for our future. The synergies between the alternative energy source, the materials and design are immaculate, rendering the obvious style as effortless. Each of the 1,000 Sharp solar panels has a specially constructed Swarovski crystal embedded in it.

“The design combines the intelligence of solar innovation with the optical, technological arm of Swarovski, prompting the exploration of the science behind the sparkle,” says Ross.

Lovegrove has worked with Sharp Solar Europe, Swarovski Optical laboratories, General Motors Europe Design Director – Anthony Lo and Coggiola, the automobile prototype specialist in Torino to bring this car for the future to life.

Ross Lovegrove is one of the world’s leading industrial designers. He started his career in the 1980’s at Frog Design in Germany on projects for Apple Computers and Sony. He gained further notoriety when invited to join the Atelier de Nimes in Paris along with Jean Nouvel and Phillipe Stark. His products range from the Walkman, watches and kitchenware, to outdoor lighting and airplane interiors for clients including British Airways, Kartell, Phillips and Mazda. He has won many awards and his work is held in permanent collections in design museums around the world including Museum of Modern Art and the Design Museum in London.