Luxury motor yacht Iwana design has been nominated for the International Yacht & Aviation Award 2013 in the ‘Concept over 50 Metres’ category. Representing a fresh and innovative approach to superyacht styling, the impressive 87 m Iwana superyacht concept is designed by McDiarmid Yacht & Design.
87 m superyacht Iwana concept by McDiarmid Design
While maintaining a classic bow, the main superstructure of Iwana yacht concept takes its form an unusual inspiration – the head of a water dragon. Similarly, the decks and communication tower are inspired by the dorsal crests of the mythical animal.
Similar to panoramic roof windows on modern cars, the super structure integrates a full length, panoramic roof window running over the 87 m mega yacht Iwana design. This incorporates a solar panel system within the ‘Magic Smart Glass’.
There appears to be huge expanses of glass used in the Iwana superyacht. This effect is created as a result of an automotive glazing and bodywork technique which is applied in ‘colourway break’. This in essence disguises the supporting structures behind the glass giving the visual impression of one continuous piece of material.
In order to extend and maximise deck space aft, the hull opens into two, fold down, roll out, and wrap around bathing platforms. The platform incorporates part of the aft hull window turning into a partial glass bottomed floor allowing for the observation of underwater marine life and habitats.
Below is an interview with Alex McDiarmid.
Alex McDiarmid of McDiarmid Yacht & Design
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
Yacht design is starting to move forward from the traditional white, wedding cake tiered designs. New technologies and manufacturing techniques emerge, continually pushing boundaries.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently working on a number of yacht projects and concept designs ranging from 50 to 150m. Our Industrial Design activities continue along with our motion picture design projects.
A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?
A very supportive wife who keeps me grounded.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2013 and beyond.
Open your eyes and observe.
Be inspired and use the world’s most powerful graphic chip, your imagination.
Enjoy and be proud of what you do and achieve.
Work hard for there is no path to greatness.
With regards to design elements specifically, stick to clean shapes, good proportions and not too many decorative details – although success is in the detail. For the yacht industry innovation is the key factor.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Always question why?, why not? and what if?
How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Industry recognition is influential for designers and design studios. The International Yacht and Aviation Awards offer a great platform for creativity, design work and thinking to be recognised and showcased on a global scale.
How do you relax?
Books, Films, Skiing, Friends.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To continue to explore creativity, to innovate and cross pollinate our findings into the yacht design world while entering new and emerging markets. The process of design is very much alive and clients want something new for this very personal and unique yacht they are commissioning. We have the future to discover and if you cannot imagine it, you cannot build it…
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
The car you drive?
Something German but nothing beats a good walk.
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
The Indian Ocean
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?
Shangri-La, Paris / La Gavroche, London / Ava Lounge NYC
The place that gives you the most energy?
The French Alps
And the place that enables you to totally relax?
At home in Aix-en-Provence
Your favourite food and drink?
Traditional French cuisine. Scottish Whisky.
