Few other designers are as prolific in the design of dreams as Italian-born Pierpaolo Lazzarini of the Lazzarini Design studio. Though he probably didn't specifically set out to do so, Lazzarini has long carved for himself a reputation of being the go-to designer of futuristic concepts, whether for sea, air, or land mobility.
Even in the very niche segment of conceptual yacht studies, where the only limits are those set by imagination, Lazzarini stands out. Over the years, the designer and his eponymous studio have delivered some of the boldest, most innovative, and occasionally wildest creations, all of which made headlines due to their stated goal of pushing for innovation, enhanced efficiency, and extra luxury.
The latest Lazzarini creation is no different, though its functionality extends beyond that of a privately owned yacht.
This is Palladio, a concept for a hybrid high-speed yacht with extended functionality and a reduced carbon footprint. Palladio can work as anything from a private tender or supply vessel to a fleet vehicle for commercial transportation, in which case it would represent the ultimate upgraded form of public transportation on water. Think of it as of the VIP of maritime transportation, and you wouldn't be completely off the mark.
Photo: Lazzarini Design
Palladio is a 20-meter (65.6-foot) vessel with a draft of just 1.4 meters (4.6 feet), allowing for easy docking. To that same end, it features a wraparound passageway, so crew can easily handle docking duties in person from all sides.
That last part is not negligible, considering that the main functionality of Palladio is that of passenger transport and fast water mobility. Easy docking and transfer are a must.
To that end, one of the possible layouts sees the interior divided into three parts according to functionality: the operating cabin, which offers seating for four crew members, including the captain; the main passenger area that counts with 22 more premium seats; and the semi-open luggage area that can also double as an exterior seating area for a limited number of passengers and extra crew.
Photo: Lazzarini Design
Built entirely out of carbon fiber, Palladio retains the aggressive and futuristic styling of most Lazzarini designs. Should it be built, it would definitely stand out in any marina while also being instantly recognizable as a Lazzarini project.
Palladio features extensive glazing, with an all-glass roof and extra-large windows, allowing almost panoramic views for the passengers seated inside. That's one way of preventing any sensation of claustrophobia when seating 22 people together. How could the space feel cramped when you can see out all around you? Then, there's the mouth-shaped design at the bow that integrates filtered air intakes and allows for optimized ventilation of the cabin.
Meanwhile, the stern is half-open and features benches on either side, along with an oversize platform. This platform could double as a swim or dive platform in case the owner decided that Palladio would fare better as a dayboat.
Photo: Lazzarini Design
Like most recent Lazzarini concepts, Palladio was designed with a versatile, endlessly customizable layout. For example, by sacrificing a couple of seats at either end, the owner could add restrooms, a kitchen, and even a dinette-like space where snacks or small meals could be had. As noted above, this kind of customization could extend to the luggage area.
That said, the highest selling points of Palladio are performance and efficiency. With a hull and superstructure made entirely out of carbon fiber, it would be very lightweight and durable. Add twin Castoldi jets and dual FTP engines of 1,000 hp each, and you get a high-speed vessel capable of hitting 55 knots (63 mph/102 kph) with ease.
Lazzarini dares to dream even further than possible eye-watering speeds. After all, what good is speed if it comes at such a high environmental cost? That's the question that most designers and builders in the yachting industry are striving to answer right now, by integrating hybrid tech into new builds.
Photo: Lazzarini Design
The elevated superstructure of Palladio means there's enough space within the hull to add alternative propulsion solutions for improved efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint. For example, hydrogen fuel tanks, power generators, and electric motors could be used to sail the Palladio at 22 knots (25.3 mph/41 kph) for a full four hours – in theory, at least.
We don't have to be naval designers to know that the road from concept to real build is way more complicated and challenging than simply jotting down numbers on a piece of paper. But this isn't what Palladio is about. As with every other study, Lazzarini is trying to tentatively look into a possible future, though he never ruled out the possibility of building yachts for the person with the right kind of money for it.
Palladio, for one, is dreaming of a future where sea transport is more efficient and more comfortable, while also greener and just a tad more luxurious. As long as you can afford it, of course.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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