Designing trains at Dutch Railways
A million Dutch people step on board every day without thinking about it. The train, however, is not only a marvel of technology, but also of design, although half a century ago that was different. There is a world of difference between the comfortable, air-conditioned, Wi-Fi enabled trains of today and the sober, technically oriented interiors of yesteryear. Designing Trains, written by someone who has made this his profession for half a century, shows how design within the Dutch Railways grew into a defining business unit. When author Niels Greif joined ns Design in 1970, building trains was the exclusive domain of engineers. Thanks to the new disciplines of design and marketing, the railway company came to realise that a train is more than just an elongated can to transport passengers.
Designing Trains is the complete story of that development. After three introductory chapters, thirty equipment projects in which the author was closely involved are discussed in detail. A broad spectrum of trains is reviewed, from the first Intercity trains to the illustrious and tragic Fyra – a train that was quickly taken off the rails, but is a paragon of good design. Many of the trains discussed are familiar to the train passenger from their own experience, but unrealised ideas, concepts and projects are also discussed. Moreover, Designing Trains contains numerous illustrations, stories and documents that have never been published before. The result is the definitive book on train design.
Author: Niels Greif
Design: Hans Lemmens
Publisher: NAI010