the Olympics not only to reduce air pollution, but also to allow for reasonable traffic flow. These are just a few examples for a situation, which is rather increasing than decreasing, particularly with the growing density of urban areas. Omoco shares the endeavour with other initiatives for environmentally friendly transport solutions. Using electricity as an alternative to the combustion engine is nothing new, either. But it has the advantage of utilising existing infrastructures, which can be fed with 'clean energy' in a decentralised method. Our 'breakthrough' - so far - has been in designing and prototyping a narrow vehicle, which is stable and comfortable to ride as a three-wheeler at low speeds and converts into a two-wheeler at high speeds for best manoeuvrability. Looking at current and past developments (including Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion car), it is clear that if one departs from the predominant concept of the four-wheeler, one would still have to provide a safe, stable, manoeuvrable and utilitarian vehicle. Cars are the main reason for our congestion problem, as they carry an overcapacity on our roads. Delivery vehicles carry a full load only one-third of the time, taxis carry only one passenger three-quarter of the time and most private cars just transport the driver. Motorcycles or scooters offer an alternative, but their utilitarian value is limited. Omoco's concept is based on the notion that we need alternative vehicles not only to cope with growing density of traffic, energy efficient mobility, but also the need to limit waste in the manufacturing and distribution process. It is about improving our mobility needs with environmental and economical sustainability.

Describe the critical need your solution addresses.

In 2007 the design departments of the University of Otago und the Otago Polytechnic joined in establishing a research area with the focus on mobility and urban environment. While this provides a wide platform for investigation (http://omocodesign.blogspot.com), we started to design and prototype one of our vehicle concepts in 2008 and have created a 'proof of concept' for an innovative chassis for a narrow wheel-base through building and rigorous testing. We are now in the process of joining with regional industries to further develop the concept towards cost-effective manufacturing. New Zealand Couriers is providing valuable data from the delivery business and market. In 2009 we will build a series of prototypes to test various applications for transporting goods and people. In early 2010 we will join the Solartaxi (http://www.solartaxi.com) in a currently planned event 'WAVE' (World Advanced Vehicle Expedition) demonstrating new vehicle concepts.
We not only believe that we need new types of vehicles, but we also believe that the process of design and development, and the system of manufacturing and distribution needs to be re-evaluated. Similarly, as already established in the software industry, we are planning to establish an 'open-source' approach, where design and development is conducted globally in a concerted effort from institutions representing a diversity of economic and cultural settings, while manufacturing and distribution happens on a national, regional or local level. We already established a relationship with Switzerland (http://swiss-omoco.blogspot.com) and are in discussion with institutions worldwide.

Our effort focuses on creating a modular platform and proven parameters to enable an open source format for others to join. Prize money from the Buckminster Fuller Institute would be used to support this effort and shared with our partner institutions.

Explain your initiative in more depth and its stage of development.

Comprehensive - creating better solutions through global cooperation in design and development allowing for a diversity of regional adaptation and manufacturing

Anticipatory - reducing congestion and improving mobility

Ecologically responsible - energy efficient and resource conscious

Feasible - utilising current technologies allowing for the implementation of future developments

Verifiable - innovative concepts through rigorous testing

Replicable - a vehicle concept serving the commercial, public and private sector

How does your strategy and approach respond creatively and comprehensively to key issues?

Bios from the core omoco development team:

Thomas Bley is founder of the International Design Network & Institute (iDNI). He has been President of Zebra Design in New York, General Manager of Frogdesign, and was a member of Memphis, the most influential design group of the 1980s. He has held academic positions at Parsons School of Design in New York, Arizona State University, Glasgow School of Art, University of the Arts in Philadelphia, California College of the Arts in San Francisco and was co-founder and Dean of the new School of Design at the University of Applied Sciences in Cologne.

Chris Ebbert is a transportation- and industrial designer with a background in the motorhome- and caravan-, and inline skate industries. His other research focuses on sustainable marine transport, mobile housing, and mechanical energy storage.

Bill Ingram's background is in industrial and heavy engineering, and electrical appliance manufacture. He holds an Advanced Trade Certificate in Fitting, Turning and Machining and a Registered Electrical Service Technician Certificate.

Andrew Wallace joined the design team in 2007 following a successful career in Australia and Malaysia. He has extensive product design experience from large injection molded components through to high volume consumer electronic assembly design. He was a member of John Britten's team developing the V1000 in the early 90's.