As As a harbinger of things to come, Seat has inaugurated a brand new global design center in Martorell.

The building is actually located within SEAT’s Technical Center, where also R & D is housed. This enables SEAT to have more synergies between styling and Research and Development, and push the development of new models and shapes forward with even greater momentum.

Covering a total surface area of 5,600 m2, the new building is designed by and for designers. The original concept came from SEAT’s Head of Design Luc Donckerwolke, who wanted the building to be the epitome of functionality, based on the principle of protection outwards and transparency inwards. A direct visual oversight of the different development stages of a prototype is possible, enabling optimal monitoring of the design and production process.

Chief Designer Luc Donckerwolke trimming the lines of the new prototype Tribu...  

The building is also large enough to accommodate a hundred highly-qualified engineers, designers and modellers from all over the world. The new design center shows, according to Donckerwolcke, "the SEAT brand’s will to absorb and broadcast creativity as a life-style, so that our models are icons of the cutting edge and trend-setters".

Some 130 internationally renowned designers attended the opening reception of the new design center. With the Tribu prominently in the foreground...  

By the look of it, Donckerwolke seems to have succeeded in his ideas. The complex is indeed an ideal breeding ground for new ideas and designs, and this not only for the Spanish brand’s products, but also for the entire Volkswagen Group. This is only logical as one sees that Donckerwolcke has over the years been at the center stage of design for the whole group. He has also created vehicles such as the Audi A4 Avant, Audi 2, Audi R8 Le Mans, the Škoda Octavia, Škoda Fabia and the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster, to name but a few…

Chief Designer Luc Donckerwolke admiring the lines of the Ibiza Vaillante...

Need we say more? Just watch out for more stylish cars to come, with the new SEAT Tribu setting the new design trend(s)…

Luc Donckerwolke's sketch of he new Tribu...

We will drive over the year end the 200 HP Altea Freetrack 2.0 TSI. So look for more SEAT driving news on this site! 

Hans Knol ten Bensel