BMW i. BORN ELECTRIC TOUR.
Rome.

The premiere of Rome of the worldwide BMW i BORN ELECTRIC TOUR was a complete success, and in fact far exceeded all expectations.

The highly varied programme started on Friday with international guest speakers such as Jessica Scorpio and Benoit Jacob and their visionary key notes. Lively discussions on the Urban Future “Mobility & Innovations” such as sustainability and tangibility of what followed at the round table. The second Urban Future theme block was held with “Architecture & Design”. In his key note, architect Carlo Ratti declared that “Augmented architecture is for Augmented Men (today’s homme nouveau) and his mobility, flexibility and freedom.” Likewise, Francesco Lipari found that the opportunities for the future can also lie in the past. The creative minds of Ratti, Lipari, Joseph Grima (Domus), Federico Ferrazza (Wired) and Novembre discussed the possibility of mega cities at the subsequent round table.

Our thanks to everyone in Rome who helped to make the first BMW i. BORN ELECTRIC TOUR. event such a source of inspiration - and we look forward to an equally exciting event in Dusseldorf/Germany in September 2012!

The extraordinary speakers and podium members, and their creative impact on sustainability, future mobility and premium design, left a tremendous impression at the end of the first day of the BMW i BORN ELECTRIC TOUR in Rome.

The day started with an introduction and a warm welcome by Jessica Scorpio and her visionary key note on the concept of peer-to-peer car sharing using mobile technology. She was followed by Benoit Jacob, BMW i’s head designer and his key note on the new electric revolution and the meaning of sustainable concepts for the future in mobility. They then both joined the round table with Andrea Granelli (kanso.it) whose subject was “Urban Future”: mobility and innovation, the future prospects of electronic premium technologies and the opportunities they offer.

In the afternoon the guest speakers focused on the “Urban Future” in architecture and design. Renowned Italian architect Carlo Ratti welcomed his audience with a special key note on the challenges of modern architecture to fit the demands of a flexible, mobile and free society, followed by Francesco Lipari in his capacity as a founder of OFL architecture. His 20-minute key note focused on the city of the future and the importance of electric mobility in major cities wordwide. These inspiring visions of the design and architecture of tomorrow were completed by the second round table involving Carlo Ratti, Fabio Novembre, Joseph Grima (Domus), Francesco Lipari and Federico Ferrazza (Wired).

Thanks to the innovative and outstanding presentations and conversations on sustainability and perspectives for the future, the first day of the BMW i. BORN ELECTRIC TOUR. was a complete success. Visitors can still experience an extraordinary show inside Palazzo delle Esposizioni until June 23rd .

What an inspiring opening show! Last night, the BMW i BORN ELECTRIC TOUR started at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. The evening marked the beginning of a series of seven worldwide events.

The invited guests were welcomed by the charming presenter Ilaria D’Amico and enjoyed a stunning LED show. Afterwards, the speakers Fabio Novembre (acknowledged Roman Designer and Architect), Benoit Jacob (Head of Design BMW i) and Franz Jung (President BMW Italy), delivered first-hand insights into latest technological developments, lifestyle trends and what premium mobility of tomorrow is all about.

In his speech Franz Jung focused on the world wide trend of electrification of mobility. In his eyes BMW has the best interpretation of this trend. Moreover he is confident that Italy and especially Rome as a "Megacity" will be electrified in the near future. Benoit Jacob emphasized on his aim to develop a culture of sustainable mobility: "A car is emotional and it shouldn´t lose its esthetics and beauty while focussing on sustainability." Last but not least, Fabio Novembre introduced his visions to the audience and his CreativeAct for the tour opening. In his talk, he centered his exhibit called “Stay human” which was specifically created for the BMW i. BORN ELECTRIC TOUR. Besides, the attendees could exclusively glance at the complete exhibition which also displays pieces from Etcetera Design, W-eye™, Alice Visin and Catellani & Smith.

From June 21st to June 23rd, the BMW i. BORN ELECTRIC TOUR. is open to the public. On June 21st, we have curated a fascinating program all about “Urban Future”. Please click here for further information on the program and exhibitors.

We look forward to welcoming you at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni!

The BMW i BORN ELECTRIC TOUR starts here in Rome 21st to 23rd of June 2012 at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni. You'll discover the new BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept, pioneers of the first BMW i electric-powered cars, learn more about future services from BMW i and premium mobility.

Glocal Partners: Rome.

The BMW i BORN ELECTRIC TOUR is also about changing our perceptions of premium and luxury products. And how we can consume more sustainably in the future. For this reason we are partnering with local designers and companies involved in developing a 'Next Premium' range of sustainable luxury products like the high fashion frames of W-eye™, furniture brandEtcetera-Design, jewellery designer Alice Visin and the Italian lighting brand Catellani & Smith.

Local Network Partners: Rome.

Joining the discussion on how to create a more beautiful and sustainable Roman cityscape we're also partnering with OFL Architecture and Bross srl who are both developing concepts on how to redefine the relationship of the significant contemporary city and its current urban conditions.