HANNAH MILKIE
The Hy Life: Navigating Net-Zero
HY is more than a boat. It is a blueprint for the future of zero-carbon public transportation on the French Riviera. This was my Master's thesis project at BESIGN The Sustainable Design School. It was inspired by my love for all things sailing and is a scalable solution for two very important global problems: traffic congestion and carbon-dependency.
Alternative
Fuel
Renewable
Energy
Accessible Technology
Sustainable Tourism
Mission
To revolutionize passenger transport along the French Riviera by creating a zero-emissions water bus system that offers a sustainable, efficient, and elegant alternative to carbon-intensive travel in order to reduce the impact of fossil fuels on our world.
Vision
The Côte d'Azure and Marseille coastline connected by clean, quiet, and carbon-free maritime routes—where innovation in green transport restores balance between tourism, mobility, environmental awareness, and stewardship.
Value
By integrating zero-carbon transportation into the existing public transport system, the immense pressure of de-carbonization shifts from the individual to the larger systems that perpetuate climate change.
Mockup + Kakémonos
Operational Plan
Circularity
Renewable energy used in the creation of hydrogen fuel as well as the internal system of the boat creates a circular system that actually promises zero carbon emissions.
Behavioral-Nudging
Placing subtle reminders of sustainable values in public spaces raises user awareness and has effortless educational benefits.
Accessibility
Making sustainable technology accessible in the public domain is still one of the biggest problems in global implementation.
Why the Sails?
People often think of sailing as a slow leisurely activity and not necessarily an efficient public transportation system. This concept aims to re-frame that mentality. It is about utilizing the power of the wind when it is available as assistance to the primary propulsion system. This not only saves electricity and fuel, but creates a unique experience for passengers on board without sacrificing speed.