Designs of the Year 2012: Transport

Sometimes we like to try and surprise our readers, but sometimes you can read us like a book (a good book, something like Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab). The transport category at the 2012 Designs of the Year is filled with interesting, worthy and environmentally-freidnly nominations, but the one jumps out at us combines two of our great loves – beautiful, problem-solving design and bikes. Manifesto’s Bicycle Storage Facility is an eye-catching solution to storing bikes in busy cities, promoting sustainable travel as our big urban areas struggle to breathe.

The prototype was built for Seoul in South Korea, and the mechanism works on pedal power. which is nicely appropriate. It’s a great space-saver and also avoids the need for costly and complex electric systems.

Elsewhere it’s a big year for electric vehicles with the Taurus Electro G4 plane, The Mia and T27 electric cars and the Parisian electric car hire scheme Autolib all on the shortlist.

The Boeing Dreamliner gets a nod, as does the RCA’s Helen Hamlyn Centre’s work redesigning London’s ambulances.

See our other Designs of the Year category reviews here.