2013 Audi A3

Report: Chris Bangle To Design Consumer Electronics For Samsung

 
9 1,550 views Mar 12, 2011
Follow Viknesh

Chris Bangle

Chris Bangle



One of the most recognized automotive designers in the world Chris Bangle no longer in fact works in the auto industry. That’s because Bangle decided back in 2009 to stop designing cars, leaving his post at BMW in order to open up his own design studio as well as go back to teaching the art.  

Now it appears Bangle has signed up with Samsung to design a new range of consumer electronic goods including laptops and mobile phones. He has reportedly been hired to oversee the design of several projects at Samsung, though he won’t be an exclusive designer for the South Korean firm but rather a consultant.

Samsung has been reported previously to be looking to improve the design of its consumer electronic goods, mostly to make them look more luxurious. The firm is also believed to be establishing a new design studio in Europe for Bangle, complete with 10 researchers positioned under him.  

Note that Samsung also builds a range of cars based on platforms and technologies sourced from more established automakers. However, there’s no word if any of Bangle’s influences will be seen on its future models.  

Bangle, of course, is the controversial designer behind recent BMW design traits such as ‘flame surfacing’ and the notorious ‘Bangle Butt’ boot lid, and his creative works have divided numerous BMW enthusiasts over the years who have either loved or hated them.

Some of the more famous cars penned by Bangle include the Fiat Coupe, E65 BMW 7-Series and first-generation E53 BMW X5.

The story doesn’t end there as it’s believed that Hyundai, one of the biggest culprits of borrowing Bangle’s design elements, was also looking to sign on the controversial designer.

[JoongAng Daily]



Tags:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (9)

  1. 3Deuce27 avatar 3Deuce27 Posted: 3/12/2011 10:02am PST

    Bangle didn't design the so called 'Bangle Butt', and didn't want it incorporated. He was in charge of the design department at the time, but the 'Butt' was another designers work and management overrode Bangles aversion to it.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. By Bob Posted: 3/12/2011 11:00am PST

    True but he did come up with "flame surfacing" which is equally as ugly. So really the other designer was just emulating one abortion after another!
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. 3Deuce27 avatar 3Deuce27 Posted: 3/12/2011 12:45pm PST

    ^...Bob..If you really think that, then you don't have the creds to offer design analysis.
    Look around you, Bangles techniques -Probably on a car or appliance you own or like- are every where and are here to stay...iconic. He will go down as the most significant designer of our time
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  4. By james Posted: 3/12/2011 1:32pm PST

    ^ no doubt
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  5. By  gazzed Posted: 3/12/2011 3:19pm PST

    I do think Bangle's flame surfacing concept was probably one ( of a few ) of his best contribution and has been adopted/re-interpreted by other designers.
    Good luck to Mr.Bangle on his new direction.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  6. 3Deuce27 avatar 3Deuce27 Posted: 3/12/2011 7:59pm PST

    The Samsung is just one of Bangle's Design studio accounts. He is not wholly working for Samsung.
    www.chrisbangleassociates.com/
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Bangle
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  7. By Bob Posted: 3/13/2011 12:07am PST

    Whaaaat....... Iconic? His flame serfacing are nothing more than scalloped sides which Vauxhall did in the 1920's and 30's. Oh and I will not buying his appliances thats for sure.....
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  8. By JJ Posted: 3/14/2011 3:19am PDT

    And stay there! The new 5 series is just too delighted not to have had you around to make it a mess...
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  9. By Aaron Posted: 3/16/2011 12:47am PDT

    THe comments here are proof of Bangle's legacy. BMW and Bangle are nearly responsible for the hyper-stylized automobiles of today. His 7 and 6 series cars are instant collectibles. Though I will concede that the flame surface 5-series is pretty ugly and that the new 5 is better than the old one.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!

More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.