As industrial designer I started my career as product designer for Colombian Navy shipyard. For 4 years and a half I worked in multiple projects as member as an interdisciplinary team of engineering in different design phases such as concept, basic, functional and detail. Some of the ships I worked on are today navigating, what is a great achievement as designer.
My work was to applied human centered design concepts on board, therefore integrating physical and cognitive ergonomics as well as anthropometry, These to define spaces, circulations, proper access and my favorite part the bridge and console design. Some times I participated in the design of the superstructure (visible part of the ship). As member of the 600 group of the Ship Work Breakdown Structure (SWBS): Outfit and Furnishings, I was in charge of designing some of the systems as: general arrangement, bulkheads, stairs, furniture, handrails, shelves and storage spaces, bathrooms and so on.
As you may expect summarizing such a long time of work is not easy but this is an overview of the projects I worked on, most of the times as design product owner.
Coast Patrol Vessel (CPV)
This is the first classified (Lloyds Register) ship for sea navigation designed and built in Colombia. In this project I worked the complete design process from concept to detail what was an insightful experience into design iteration loops. Also I traveled to South Korea for a Transfer of Technology program for 3 months to learn about shipbuilding abroad and to supervise the design detail of the same design that was built there.
Concept design, general arrangement:
During the concept design multiple iterations are done with the engineering group to establish the ship requirements with the client. Based on the requirements the basic design of the ship's general arrangement is defined in 2D considering crew and steer capacity. This will define the size of different spaces as kitchen, storing, and accommodation. Additionally, the general arrangement design is driven by industry standards for passageways, safe emergency exits and fire and noise insulation between rooms (e.g. kitchen and galley should be heavily insulated, rooms should not be located next to the engine room).
Visibility analysis and console design:
The bridge is one of the most important spaces on board, proper visibility must be ensured along with ergonomic conditions. This will impact the shape of the stern superstructure (visible part of the ship) due to the windows arrangement.
3d modeling and rendering
To validate 2d design the ship is usually modeled in what would be a low fidelity 3d program as Rhinoceros 3D, also for sale purposes and to showcase the project renders are processed base on the 3d model.
Detail and production
After some iterations in basic 3d and technical drawings, then all the systems are iterated and modeled in an specific software for ship production and building (Aveva marine), some of the final production drawings are defined based on that model.
This is the final product navigating!
Landing Craft Unit, Barco de Desembarco Anfibio (BDA)
This ship serves a dual purpose, it is equipped for defense but it is mainly used to navigate through the vast Colombian river network transporting medical aid, equipments and even movies to remote areas that are inaccessible otherwise. That is why this was a very important project for me as it presented the opportunity to contribute to distant towns and Colombian people.
Console design:
As mentioned, one of my favorite parts of ship design is the bridge. Its complexity is high due to the amount of different equipments and requirements for navigation. For the design process I worked with electric and electronic engineerings as well as multiple rules from different classification organizations (Lloyds Register, Bureau Veritas). We integrated the equipments in a 3d model as worked closely with contractors abroad for the final production and detailed design.
Technical drawings and materials:
Even though I don't have lots of pictures of the drawings, this plus materials and products definition take up most of my design time in certain design phases (as functional and detail). Each system would have a drawing that iterated according to the integration with other systems and the definition of the specific requirements. My favorite drawing was the general arrangement because it required the full team to contribute, it was essential for the product definition and showed the best full view of the ship.
3d modeling:
In this project I supported the structure team to defined the stern superstructure. Also producing some renders for sale purposes.
This is the final ship navigating!
Interior design, Colombian Navy Flag Ship (Gloria)
This project was done directly with the ship crew who wanted to re-design the officers chamber. It was very product oriented and included variations in arrangement, colors and detailed design while keeping most of the furniture.
I designed and 3d modeled different alternatives for the ceiling wood design as well as sofas, to give the crew choices.
Finally 3d modeled the full chamber and rendered it. Including details as a projection screen and gold museum pieces.
