Valeria Lie Alonso, Eric Batdorff and Diana Lie Alonso, partners at Lie Alonso Dynasty, give their take on AI, AR glasses, and emerging cabin design trends.
How do you feel about the potential of AI for design?
VLA: We’ve been integrating AI into our design process and it’s been wild. It’s certainly fascinating to see our design language being captured and co-created using these tools. The challenge is that they lack precision of course, and even more so with aviation than when we work with architecture. As a result it can take hours of refining the parameters to get the look we are seeking. Even then, we often post-process with Photoshop to integrate our design language, changing architectural elements, colours and materials, decorative items, or the majority of the cabin if needed! Our G650ER Law of Opulence concept is a prime example where we used AI and Photoshop to create a very unique design. For us it’s a great way to exercise what the ‘Ancient Future’ could look like, and push the boundaries of the known.
Are there uses for AR in cabin design?
EB: AR offers the advantage of projecting designs in real-time over long distances. For instance, using Ray Ban’s AR glasses, I can showcase a live 3D projection of design changes to a client remotely while making real-time adjustments from my office.
What other technologies do you think could benefit the design process?
VLA: While we are using AI, a lot of our design process is artistic. I cannot think of other technologies at the moment other than our good old pencil and paper, watercolours, picking material swatches and such!
What cabin innovations have caught your eye recently?
EB: The new Bombardier Nuage aircraft seat functions are interesting. It has a built-in tilt system that allows it to pivot as it reclines. The most interesting part is the floating base, which enables the chair to swivel left and right, making it one of the most manoeuvrable chairs on the market right now. It’s stimulating to see different designs being implemented in the industry and thinking of new ways we can customise them.
What emerging trends will impact cabin design in 2024?
DLA: We see two main trends. With the advancement of technology, one trend is cabin design following a futuristic and linear approach, where there is minimal use of colours and finishes, geometrical shapes, and basic use of aesthetic embellishment. On the opposite side, cabin design will be heavily influenced by a more natural and elemental way of living. The designs will be characterised by organic shapes, the natural beauty of material finishes, adornments, and an overall sense of ease, grace and connection with the divine. This is where we are heading, and why we are creating rich designs rooted by higher ideals, redefining what luxury is – a transcendental experience for the soul.
This interview was conducted by Izzy Kington and first published in the March/April 2024 edition of Business Jet Interiors International as part of the Design Forum feature.
