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Alexandre Verdier

Alexandre Verdier (born November 3, 1974) is an industrial designer. He is the founder and president of Verdier Micro-Bus and Eco-Camper Inc. His work is based on the ideal that technology can help man reconcile with nature.

Alexandre Verdier

Born			November 3, 1974 Montreal, Canada

Occupation 	Industrial designer and president of Verdier Microbus and Camper Inc.

Education
Interested in developing new ideas that would have an effect on the world, Alex Verdier decided to study philosophy at Université de Montréal (Canada), at the age of 21. He obtained his licence three years later, in 1998. His studies introduced him to concepts that would later influence his work – for example existenzminimum, which defined minimally acceptable living conditions for modern dwellings in 1930’s Germany. However, he also realized that philosophers’ place in the world’s evolution was not as great as it once had been.

He concluded that industrial designers were modern-day philosophers, having the greatest influence on people’s lifestyles. So, from 1998 to 2002, he worked on getting his industrial design licence from Université de Montréal. An exchange program allowed him to pursue his studies in 2001 at the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (UK), where he embraced the principles of minimalism. Early on, he focused on creating objects based not only on aesthetics, but on a deeper meaning rooted in human experience.

Early career
After university, Alex Verdier was hired as a resident designer by the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT), a multidisciplinary center located in Montreal and dedicated to research, creation, production, presentation, education and conservation in the field of digital culture.

From 2002 to 2004, he worked on the SAT’s branding and designed some technological furniture (including pieces used by DJ’s and video artists), as well as the SAT[osphere], an inflatable mobile dome used to create immersive audiovisual environments.

Verdier Solar Power camper
Since 2005, Alex Verdier has been dedicated to his own design projects, including a line of wooden computer accessories (Wood Computer) and, most notably, the Verdier Solar Power camper.

He had begun research for this project in 1995, inspired by his love of camping. His aim was to improve upon the mythical Westfalia, combining attractive design with the enjoyment of self-sufficient travel. The result is a means of transport that addresses practical and environmental concerns, offering a new way of living on the road.

The Solar Power is a hybrid vehicle, equipped with amenities to meet the needs of 21st-century travelers. These include directional solar panels that supply electricity to on-board accessories, a swivel cooking range which allows meals to be prepared inside or outside, a three-position suspension for better stability and a computer equipped with an exclusive interface.

In 2008, Verdier has been in talks with a major automobile manufacturer about commercially producing the Solar Power, as well as a more basic six-seat van. Meanwhile, the Solar Power’s design has already sparked considerable interest in the media and among prospective buyers.

Computer interface
The Verdier Solar Power’s computer interface includes several innovative features, including:

- An activity planner based on weather and solar power forecasts;

- Real-time monitoring of the vehicle’s energy input and output, with an optional child-friendly interface for learning about wise energy consumption;

- Directories of local campgrounds, nature sites, historical sites, museums, sellers of organic food and other products;

- A system allowing Verdier vehicle users to share information, pictures, video and recommendations.

Design philosophy
At a time when man is confronted with environmental problems which threaten his survival, Alex Verdier believes that people must adopt a new lifestyle that is respectful of nature. He considers that while man seeks to produce everyday objects providing functionality and beauty, it is possible to do so with very little waste or harm to the environment.

For Verdier, the solution resides in smart, simple design and employing technology to make better use of natural resources.

“Reconciliation technology”
“Reconciliation technology” is a term that Alex Verdier has coined for technology that reconciles man with nature, based upon this theory:

- Man comes from nature;

- Man exploits nature in a damaging manner;

- Thus, the relationship between man and nature must change;

- Globally omnipresent technologies, such as satellites and the Word Wide Web, represent the solution;

- Man can use these technologies to better reconnect with nature.

Unlike certain environmentalists, Verdier does not advocate regressing to ancient ways of living; he prefers an approach which makes creative use of technology to enhance man’s relationship with nature. Concrete examples of this can be observed in the Verdier Solar Power’s computer interface. (See above: “Computer interface”)

Recognition
Alex Verdier has gained international recognition for his work, having been the object of press articles published in several countries.

A previous version of the Verdier camper’s design won the 2004 Michelin Challenge Design, held in Detroit, Michigan (USA). The Verdier Solar Power was also awarded a special jury prize at the Caravaning Design Award 2006/2007 contest, which took place at Caravan Salon Düsseldorf (Germany), one of Europe’s largest caravanning trade shows.