Atlos: The Future of Urban Mobility

Valeria Romanova's Award-Winning Folding Bicycle Design

Atlos is not just a bicycle, but a compact solution to urban mobility. Inspired by the constructor nature of bicycles, Romanova envisioned a bike that not only offers a unique design but also compact storage. The result is a bicycle frame in the form of a parallelogram, which folds into a compact shape for easy storage and transport.

Creating Atlos was an engineering experiment for Romanova. She had to rethink bicycle components and their assembly. The final product is a bicycle frame that locks into a specific position through four holes in the frame, creating a sturdy construction. The assembly process is simple and can be completed in 10 to 15 minutes with the most common tools.

The design process involved extensive research into the history and evolution of bicycles, their types, materials, ergonomics, and components. Romanova also studied the role of bicycles in modern society and the different types of cyclists. This research led her to focus on bicycle components and redefine the principle of folding bicycles, resulting in the creation of Atlos.

Atlos is made of steel and measures 1700 mm x 400 mm x 900 mm. The design project started in September 2015 in Moscow and was completed in May 2016. It was exhibited at the SaloneSatellite WorldWide Moscow in 2016. The project was a challenge for Romanova, but it allowed her to showcase the potential for everyday objects to evolve in form and interaction.

The Atlos design was recognized with the Silver A' Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, strong technical characteristics, and remarkable artistic skill. Atlos is indeed a testament to Romanova's innovative thinking and design prowess, offering a new perspective on urban mobility.