FUEL & ELEGANCE

Driving Experience Beyond Design: "Fuel & Elegance" 3D Booth Exhibition for an Automotive Brand (conceptual).

by Sausan P (S-OTTH)

copencopter@gmail.com

HICARRUS : Fuel & Elegance

In this project, I designed a 3D exhibition booth with the theme Fuel & Elegance for a fictional automotive brand HICARRUS. This island-type booth (approx. 8 x 10 meters) is designed with open access on multiple sides, but circulation is intentionally directed through two main entries to create a structured visitor journey. The core idea was to reinterpret the nostalgic imagery of gas stations and garages, blending them with the warm, timeless feel of grandpa-core aesthetics. 

This work is part of a series of 3D Booth Exhibition Designs under @copencopter projects. This design was created with no clients, no restrictions, and only my free reign [an unbuilt work/conceptual]. The brand is fictional and developed for design exploration.

TABLE of CONTENTS:

Design Concepts: Fuel & Elegance

Experiential Zones: 4 Key Interactions

Design Process and Visualization

Reflection: Driving Stories, Not Just Cars

PART I. Design Concepts: Fuel & Elegance

The design was inspired by three main references: the structure of a gas station, the rugged yet functional mood of a garage, and the cozy sophistication of grandpa-core style. These elements were combined to form a spatial identity that feels both raw and refined.

The material palette included large-grid concrete flooring to evoke the look of urban roads, exposed steel and metallic accents for cleanliness and structure, wooden details to add warmth and nostalgia, and shoji-inspired lighting to diffuse light and create a comfortable lounge ambience. Together, they balance industrial sharpness with classic elegance.

The goal was to create a booth that not only highlights automobiles as premium display pieces, but also offers immersive and memorable activities that blend lifestyle, nostalgia, and innovation.

PART II. Experiential Zones: 4 Key Design Elements 

The booth layout is structured into four main experiential zones:

(a) Automobile Display & Diecast Pump (Entry Zone): visitors are first greeted by the cars on display, aligned with a retro-style mini pump that distributes collectible diecasts as souvenirs. This sets the narrative of entering a "classic station."

(b) VR Experience Pump (Interactive Highlight): a full-size retro fuel pump reimagined as a VR station, where visitors can virtually “refuel” and explore brand storytelling in an unexpected format.

(c) Lounge Area (Talking & Networking): a warm corner framed by wood and shoji elements, offering seating and ambient lighting. Designed as a comfortable spot for casual conversations, brand presentations, or simply pausing to enjoy the booth’s atmosphere.

(d) Counter / Exit Point: the final stop, functioning as a souvenir and information desk, reinforcing brand presence and ensuring each visitor leaves with a tangible impression.

The circulation flow follows: Entry → Display & Diecast → VR Experience → Lounge → Counter (Exit).

PART III. Design Process & Visualization

The booth was modeled in SketchUp and rendered in Lumion, with careful attention to atmosphere. Concrete textures were refined to resemble large slab grids without appearing sterile, while metallic surfaces were polished to suggest modernity. Warm lighting was introduced through shoji-inspired custom lighting, balancing the raw garage aesthetic with a sense of calm elegance.

A key challenge was defining the booth as an island type while still maintaining a narrative visitor flow. The solution was to selectively emphasize two entry points, ensuring visibility from all sides but guiding movement through structured experiential zones.

PART IV. Reflection: Driving Stories, Not Just Cars

Through this project, I explored how an automotive booth can be more than a static display of vehicles. By merging the nostalgic charm of gas stations, the gritty character of garages, and the warmth of grandpa-core design, Fuel & Elegance becomes a story-driven space. Visitors don’t just view cars; they engage with experiences, memories, and atmospheres that frame the automobile as part of a lifestyle.

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