mecanoo and gispen envision modular interiors for dutch trains of the future

mecanoo architects and furniture maker gispen have revealed their shared design for a flexible and modular train interior that enables a wide variety of configurations and facilitates train passengers’ diverse activities. developed for NS (the dutch national railway company) and its future vision for 2025, the innovative train concept comprises a twelve-module furniture system, enabling suitable combinations for an optimal travel environment.

all images courtesy of mecanoo architects

aimed at improving the time 373 million people spend on trains yearly, mecanoo and gispen, in cooperation with NS, mapped passengers’ activities, defining six zones that range from open and social to private and concentrated. each of these activity zones is differentiated by varying arrangements of twelve furniture modules, which are composed of both current and new train interior elements and configurations.

the dynamic travel landscape combines various seating, standing, or leaning areas, providing each traveler with many choices depending on their activity, travel time, group size, luggage and required facilities. all elements have been developed through a completely circular production model, with fabrics being reusable and modules easily disassembled and are interchangeable.