Public transportation. For most, those words are not exactly exciting. But what if they could be? Engineering and entertainment come together in a challenge to find out.
Disney has long been known for converting the mundane into masterpieces. Think Fantasia, for instance. What’s so great about cleaning? And mice? Neither are things I look forward to dealing with, but when Mickey is surrounded by dancing cleaning supplies, it’s cinematic gold. That’s the idea behind the 2015 Disney Imaginations Contest. Make the ordinary extraordinary.
The challenge is to take the best of Disney – the creativity, excitement, characters and quality – and apply it to transportation in a major city. Before you start sketching an UP!-inspired, balloon taxi system, the deadline is passed and finalists have been selected (there’s always next year!). They represent a broad range of schools and backgrounds and bring very different ideas to the table as well.
The six finalist teams and their ideas are:
Art Center College of Design – “The Wunderkinds” will highlight Zurich’s architecture, energy efficiency and Swiss craftsmanship. Key features include the Alps, chocolate and timepieces.
Drexel University – “Woollahara” will combine modern and traditional culture in Sydney through the theme of campfire storytelling.
Ringling College of Art & Design – “New Orleans Double Rail” will transport guests over the city using a suspended train during an interactive tour using the latest in projection technology.
San Jose University – “Aether” will transport guests above Toronto to commuter and tourist locations during an interactive trip with a steampunk theme.
Texas Tech University – “La Grand Masquerade” includes a role-playing adventure through Venice including historical context intertwined with a “whodunit” mystery backdrop.
University of Nevada, Reno – “Line 55” is an underground transportation system through Chicago involving classic literature plots and historic downtown locations.
According to Disney, “Imaginations is one of the creative ways that Imagineering uses to search for the next generation of talented theme park designers.” The first place prize is $3,000 with an additional $1,000 grant to split among the sponsoring universities.
All of the finalist teams get a five-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Glendale, CA where Imagineering is located. The teams will present their projects to Imagineering executives and get to meet and network with current Imagineers. Internships and future job opportunities in Disney’s Imagineering outfit are also possible perks. Just don’t ask about the commute.
Image: Disney Imaginations