Delft, The Netherland
Designed by European Prize for Architecture laureates Mecanoo together with Dutch furniture company Gipsen for NS (Dutch Railways), this flexible and modular train interior enables a wide variety of configurations and facilitates train passengers’ diverse activities.
With the flexible twelve-module furniture system, a suitable combination can be made for every type of train for an optimal travel environment.
Every year, 373 million travellers spend their time in NS trains.
In NS’s future vision for 2025, the train will be more than a means of transport.
Travel time will become more attractive and will be part of travellers’ “own time.”
The result is a flexible and modular train interior that enables a wide variety of configurations and facilitates train passengers’ diverse activities.
Every traveller and every journey is unique. Mecanoo and Gispen, in cooperation with NS, have mapped train passengers’ activities.
Based on this research six activity zones were defined, ranging from open and social to private and concentrated.
These activity zones are differentiated by varying arrangements of twelve furniture modules. The modules include both current and new train interior elements and configurations.
A dynamic travel landscape is created with various seating, ‘stit’ (sit-stand or leaning) and standing places where every traveller can find a place that suits them depending on their activity, travel time, group size, luggage and required facilities.
The new train interior facilitates a wide range of activities.
It is comfortable, accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Mecanoo and Gispen collaboratively shape a visionary, future train design for Dutch Railways in the Netherlands
These qualities coincide perfectly with Gispen’s experience in furniture making and with Mecanoo’s experience in the architectural and interior design of museums, libraries, schools and offices. The result is an innovative train concept that makes travelling a whole new experience.
With the flexible twelve-module furniture system, a suitable combination can be made for every type of train for an optimal travel environment.
The elements have a completely circular production model.
The fabrics are reusable and the modules can be easily disassembled and are interchangeable.
The NS thus flexibly accommodates travellers’ needs and is prepared for the sustainable mobility of the future.
NS (Dutch Railways)
Architects: Mecanoo Architecten
Manufacturer: Gispen International BV
Client: NS (Dutch Railways)
