Oculus Mega Yacht by E. Kevin Schopfer AIA, RIBA

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

EKSAR : The goal was to test the bounds of conventional yacht design. This manifested itself as a more free flowing and narrative design.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

EKSAR : Future plans must always include the hope of actually finding the perfect client to build it.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

EKSAR : About two years.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

EKSAR : We started large. The smaller yachts are plentiful and there seems more initial opportunity in this scale. This was self initiated.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

EKSAR : No, we retain all rights.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

EKSAR : The design is more "liquid" and flowing and has a distinct personality, one which is comfortable on the water.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

EKSAR : A broad mixture of people and creatures.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

EKSAR : A very small customer base with imagination and sufficient funds to achieve its completion.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

EKSAR : It breaks the "mold" of "tiered" design and infuses the frame with a narrative which can be open to interpretation. Its personality is engaging.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

EKSAR : The original intent was that of a squid and its large dominant eye. The eye, or "Oculus" brings out the yacht's character.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

EKSAR : 3D modeling blending sketches and mock-ups.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

EKSAR : We brought in a variety of expertise including naval architects and marketing experts.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

EKSAR : Technology will play a heavy role in the actual construction. There are multiple complex surfaces which will demand exacting and challenging applications.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

EKSAR : We focused on existing markets, luxury derivatives, and potential future needs.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

EKSAR : The interpretation the form and its nuances into a cohesive design which maintained its own characteristics.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

EKSAR : We felt Oculus was worthy of recognition and felt this competition was an ideal format for such.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

EKSAR : We learned a great deal about the manipulation of forms and the exacting content of a controlled space. As a "vessel" this is an ongoing challenge.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

EKSAR : I think we've covered the basics.