School - IED Torino, Guzzi inspiration road style     by Marta Cinti   “Moto Guzzi: Una storia importante” (Moto Guzzi: A rich history) is the slogan chosen by the legendary Italian motorcycle manufacturer to embody the values of its 89 years of existence and of the 50-plus models it has produced to date. This rich history is the reason why IED Turin chose the brand as the subject of a year long project conducted by the second year students in the three year post-diploma course in Transportation Design – BYT (Bike, Yacht and Train) Design. The marque with the spread-wing eagle emblem (adopted in memory of the Italian motorcyclist and aviator Giovanni Ravelli, who was among the original founders of the company) was chosen for its traditions as a technical and stylistic innovator, as well as for its significant emotive value and ability to inspire the imaginations of the young designers. For students, there is much to be learnt from studying the ability of a company to constantly reinvent itself and secure its future survival. And Moto Guzzi, which, since its very first model, has always been known for introducing significant advancements for the motorcycle industry (such as the adoption of a centre stand on the 1921 Normale model), has a pioneering spirit and a capacity for development that continue to spawn innovative, aesthetically appealing projects. Because a thorough knowledge of how a motorcycle works and is used is a fundamental factor in being able to design one, the school actually procured the model chosen as the basis for the project – a Griso 8V – for the students to study at first hand. Having access to the bike’s working chassis and mechanicals helped the students to define architectures and technical characteristics and, most importantly, to develop realistic new styling solutions. (The article continues in Auto & Design n. 183, page 77)