arya kani's hotel on wheels provides autonomous journeys for short-term travelers

the concept vehicle fuses mobility and curated accommodation

Designed by Arya Kani, the Hotel on Wheels: Vision Pullman Express combines the convenience of mobility with curated accommodation to create a premium travel experience for short-term travelers. Users can enjoy planned journeys, spanning from just a few hours up to 3 days, tailored to their preferences from pickup to drop-off, allowing them to make the most of their limited time with limited financial resources. The experience within focuses on mindful and experience-oriented journeys that generate positive impact on locale, equipped with level 5 autonomy and featuring technology such as swappable battery packs, adjustable flatbed seats, and designated cabin zones for rest and work. Mobile bot ‘room service’ deliveries, flexible drop-offs, and integration of micro-mobility of scooters and bikes within the main vehicle also enhance the user experience.

The designer has envisioned a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Belmond Group, two prominent premium brand icons in the hotel and mobility industries, upon identifying each of their market gaps. By merging hardware production and logistics, this concept presents a scalable model adaptable to various industries. The Hotel on Wheels also presents significant benefits for key stakeholders, including the mobility and hotel industries, local authorities, and businesses, as a means to foster economic growth and promote tourism while filling crucial market gaps.

all images courtesy of Arya Kani

arya kani proposes premium travel experiences

The foundation of the Hotel on Wheels concept lies in a thorough exploration of future premium urban travel. Extensive research, including consumer analyses and trend forecasting, was carried out by designer Arya Kani to tailor the design to the needs of discerning travelers. The exploration revealed a prevalent disconnect between the hotel and mobility industries, while further market analysis identified a potential opportunity within the rapidly growing luxury travel market. Recognizing a market gap, the study identified Mercedes-Benz and Belmond Hotel Group as potential collaborators due to their evolving businesses in travel or mobility, notably with Mercedes’ Sprinter and Marcopolo, as well as Belmond’s Orient Express trains.

Transitioning from the past and present, the focus shifted to future-casting, analyzing future trends, consumer analyses, and scholarly-sourced predictions to create plausible scenarios for the late 2030s to early 2040s. User personas and journey maps provided insights into the concept’s core values, activities, and proposed solutions, shaping a collaborative subscription-based hiring model offering autonomous chauffeuring, dining experiences, and versatile workspaces.

Hotel on Wheels: Vision Pullman Express combines the convenience of mobility with curated accommodation

The silhouette of the Hotel on Wheels is mainly distinguished by the semi-flat front cabin day-light-opening and a graceful rear-end, reminiscent of the front row seat in double-decker busses with semi-flat glass on the day-light-openings. Inspired by the West Coast of the United States, the futuristic exterior design of the Hotel on Wheels reflects organic wave forms coming together, merging with Mercedes-Benz’s heritage along the grille. The spacious interior, enhanced by the large glass roof bringing in abundant natural light, maximizes comfort and functionality, featuring dual zones for seating and dining. A ‘lookout bar’ enjoys amenities of a comfortable bar ambiance such as ambient lighting, counter, lounge seating and more, and offers panoramic views for sightseeing and relaxation. Adjustable rising seats allow users to remain below the vehicle’s high belt-line to maintain privacy, or rise above it get desirable views of the outdoors. The upper body with side day-light openings and ceiling are made of glass, while the interior has the ability to turn the majority of these glass parts opaque to increase privacy or reduce the natural light significantly.

the designer envisions a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Belmond Group

featuring a unique, dynamic and futuristic look for the Mercedes-Benz grilles on the front

inspired by boutique hotels, the interior offers a charming, contemporary, and premium space

in the cabin’s front space, travelers can enjoy a meal, work on tasks or simply enjoy the view

this area is created to seclude the work/dining area for increased productivity and privacy

project info:

name: Hotel on Wheels – Mercedes-Benz x Belmond Vision Pullman Express
designer: Arya Kani

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom