AIW speaks to Dr Artur Mausbach, a senior research fellow at the Royal College of Art, about his upcoming appearance at the Automotive Interiors Expo InteriVision Forum, which will take place at Messe Stuttgart, Germany, on June 23, 24 and 25. During the forum, Dr Mausbach will discuss PaceDriven, an approach that enhances disassembly, versatility and upgradability as key strategies for extending product lifecycles and reducing environmental impact
What is Pace Layering?
Pace Layering is a conceptual model in architecture that organizes buildings into layers based on their different cycles of life or use. With PaceDriven, we brought this concept to automotive design, organizing the design of the car into five layers: structure, skin, service, scenery and stuff.
What problem in the automotive lifecycle does PaceDriven set out to rethink?
PaceDriven addresses the problem of recycling by facilitating the separation of materials and dismantling, while at the same time considering the properties and performance of materials, the user experience throughout the lifecycle of the car, the need to update technology, the requirements for reintroducing recycled materials into production, and the opportunities to incorporate less processed and more natural materials.
Do you think the industry is more limited by technology, regulation or mindset when it comes to circular automotive systems?
Although regulation changes can trigger impactful shifts, there is no single answer. A systemic change is needed. This means observing a larger landscape of stakeholders in the circular economy and designing for the system.
How might this circular and modular approach change how we think about personalization in car design?
When we created the PaceDriven model, we looked at circularity, but at the same time it opened amazing opportunities for personalization. One reason is that the system of assembly and disassembly makes it easier to renew every aspect of the interior aesthetics and configuration (scenery layer), as well as the infotainment equipment and accessories (stuff layer). This allows the car to evolve over time and better match the profile, preferences or mood of its owner.
How might this approach change the relationship between manufacturers and owners over time?
The average age of the car fleet is getting older, because actually cars are getting better. While it is difficult to make money from selling new cars, creating a long-lasting connection with owners is paramount for the industry. And for a conscious consumer, buying something that is quickly obsolete doesn’t make sense. With technology moving fast, building a partnership of trust between manufacturers and owners creates benefits in both ways.
If this model were widely adopted, what would the automotive industry look like in 10-15 years?
The industry can reinvent itself on a more resilient scale. More spread, more present in cities, more connected to people and culture while reducing the production of waste and its material needs. It would be a truly circular industry.
Automotive Interiors Expo takes place June 23-25, 2026, at Messe Stuttgart, Germany.
Click here for your FREE pass to attend the expo and forum. See the complete line-up of forum speakers here
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