Gondola Umsebenzi Oyinhloko Wesikebhe Sikagesi Se-Hydrofoil by Wang Yuchen and Wang Xuanzheng

Gondola Umsebenzi Oyinhloko Wesikebhe Sikagesi Se-Hydrofoil by Wang Yuchen and Wang Xuanzheng is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award in Isikebhe Competition Category.

InsimbiIsikebhe· 2025

Gondola Umsebenzi Oyinhloko Wesikebhe Sikagesi Se-Hydrofoil

by Wang Yuchen and Wang Xuanzheng

Client: Central Academy of Fine Arts-Mobility Innovation (Transportation) Design

Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award Winner in Isikebhe Category

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Colors

The Design

About Gondola Umsebenzi Oyinhloko Wesikebhe Sikagesi Se-Hydrofoil

Umbhalo Wencwadi: I-Gondola isikebhe sikagesi se-hydrofoil esakhelwe ukuvakasha emanzini. Ukuklama kuhlanganisa isimo se-gondola yendabuko yaseVenice namandla ejubane le-hydrofoil yesimanje. Umzimba wesikebhe ubude bungu-13450 mm nobubanzi bungu-2820 mm futhi uthwala abagibeli abane. I-Aluminium enombala wensimbi ye-platinum yakha umzimba wesikebhe, kanti ama-hydrofoil kanye nezinsika ezisekelayo zisebenzisa i-carbon fibre kanye nezinye izinto ezixubile. Isivikelo (canopy) senziwe ngendwangu exutshwe nezintambo zensimbi, kanti ideki lempahla lenziwe ngothi lomuthi we-teak. Injini kagesi ivumela ukuhamba ngokuthula ngesivinini esiphezulu noma ukuhamba kancane ngokuzolile.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award

Gondola Umsebenzi Oyinhloko Wesikebhe Sikagesi Se-Hydrofoil iwinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile okunikezwa imiklamo emihle ehlangabezana nezidingo zobungcweti nezemboni ezilindelekile ezimpahleni ezihlelwe kahle. Abawinile beNsimbi babonisa ikhono elikhulu, ubungcweti obuphezulu, ukuqonda kochwepheshe namandla okudala abadali babo. Gondola Umsebenzi Oyinhloko Wesikebhe Sikagesi Se-Hydrofoil ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo esebenzayo nenezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu zemboni futhi unezimfanelo zobuchwepheshe ezifanelekile ezihlanganiswe nolwazi nethalente. Gondola Umsebenzi Oyinhloko Wesikebhe Sikagesi Se-Hydrofoil iyahlonishwa ngenxa yokucophelela kwayo futhi ihlelelwe ukulethela izinguquko zomgangatho wempilo ezisiza ukwenza umhlaba ube yindawo engcono.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Combining the elegance of a gondola with the dynamism of a hydrofoil, it blends traditional culture with modern aesthetics to create a new water sports experience. And it echoes the long history of Venice's culture. At the same time, this is an electric boat, quiet, elegant and environmentally friendly. It can accommodate 4 passengers.
Dimensions & Packaging: Hull length 13450 mm, width 2820 mm, normal draft 2300 mm, draft with hydrofoils up 1200 mm. Maximum rotation angle of hydrofoil 70 degrees. Accommodates 4 passengers.
Tags: Gondola, Hydrofoil, Yacht Design, Venice Tourism, Zero Emissions
Production Technology: The boat's hull is made of aluminum with a platinum-colored metallic paint finish that echoes the glossy metal used throughout, providing a good sense of texture. The hydrofoils and hull support structures have versatile attributes and are made of stronger carbon fiber and other composite materials that add to the boat's sporty feel. The canvas soft top of the canopy is made of a high-grade fabric mixed with metallic filaments. Meanwhile, the luggage compartment deck is made of high-grade teak, adding to the boat's luxurious feel.
Design Challenge: I strolled along the riverbanks of Venice and saw gondolas and luxury yachts, which sparked my passion and inspiration for design. How to perfectly incorporate the gondola design elements into the hydrofoil design posed a challenge to me. It required a lot of sketches and modeling to ensure the traditional aesthetics of elegance and luxury, but also the futuristic aesthetics of modern technology. There were also challenges of cultural differences from different countries, and I needed to study the relevant materials in greater depth.
Research: Taking inspiration from Venice's elegant and luxurious gondolas, combining traditional culture with modern aesthetics, a new hydrofoil has been designed to create a new water tourism experience based on Venetian culture for Venice as well as other waterfront regions. The research project has not only resulted in the design of a hydrofoil, but has also explored a new research path for tourism experiences in other culturally diverse regions.
Inspiration: The design draws inspiration from the traditional Venetian boat, the gondola. In terms of structural design, the classical Italian design culture plays an important role. The curved moon-like lines of the gondola, especially the detailing on the six-toothed battle-axe halberd at the bow, were a major source of inspiration. This cultural influence is evident throughout the project.
Project Duration: The project launched in Qingdao, China in August 2023, and the preliminary model of the project was presented at Milan Design Week in April 2024, and reached its final stages by June 2024.
Operation Flow: The boat is equipped with hydrofoils that can be rotated and propellers that can be raised and lowered, as well as an electric motor for high maneuverability. At the same time, the boat is capable of switching between high-speed movement and leisurely cruising, ensuring that it meets the needs of users in different situations and enhances the traveling experience.
Team Members: Wang Yuchen
Wang Xuanzheng
Wang Shutong
Ye Feng
Image Credits: Image #1: Creator Yuchen Wang, Gondola, 2024.
Image #2: Creator Yuchen Wang, Gondola, 2024.
Image #3: Creator Yuchen Wang, Gondola, 2024.
Image #4: Creator Yuchen Wang, Gondola, 2024.
Image #5: Creator Yuchen Wang, Gondola, 2024.