Ellen Macarthur Foundation. Rethink the future

Renault 4 Ever: Redesigning the Renault 4 on circular economy principles

• by Joe Iles
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• 31 Mar 2011
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Italian website Designboom is calling for entries for an exciting automotive design competition, run in collaboration with Renault. ‘Renault 4 Ever’ asks professionals, students and design enthusiasts from around the world to redesign the classic Renault 4, originally launched in 1961.

The car was praised for its innovative design that made use of contemporary technology, and Renault are looking for the same level of ingenuity in the new model. Participants have been asked to draw from the heritage of the iconic original ‘4L’, creating a simple, practical, reliable and affordable car offering mobility for all. As a 21st century vehicle, it will be designed with the future in mind and according to the principles of the circular economy, aiming at achieving a positive impact on the environment rather than simply focusing on being slightly ‘less bad’:

Waste is Food

Waste does not exist… the biological and technical components (nutrients) of a product are designed by intention 
to fit within a materials cycle, designed for disassembly and re-purposing. The biological nutrients are non-toxic 
and can be simply composted. Technical nutrients – polymers, alloys and other man-made materials are designed 
to be used again with minimal energy.

Diversity is strength


Modularity, versatility and adaptiveness are to be prioritised in an uncertain and fast evolving world. Diverse systems, 
with many connections and scales are more resilient in the face of external shocks, 
than systems built simply for efficiency.

Energy must come from renewable sources

As in life, any system should ultimately aim to run on ‘current sunshine’ and generate energy through renewable sources.

Systems thinking - not just a car but a car within a system

The ability to understand how things influence one another within a whole. Elements are considered as ‘fitting in’ their infrastructure, environment and social context. Try to describe how these factors influence one another within a whole.

Designboom was founded in 1999 as the world’s first web-based art, architecture and design magazine. Their international design competitions receive on average 4,000 entries from all over the world, are free to enter and open to individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of academic accreditation. Crucially, Designboom is recognized as a legal medium for design registration, and so competition entries are considered legally registered by international courts, protecting the works and rights of designers. Like Renault 4 Ever, many past Designboom competitions have focused on product development in areas key to helping re-design and build a positive future.

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