Dutch architecture and design firm Mecanoo has partnered with furniture maker Gispen to draft modular new designs for Dutch railways company Nederlandse Spoorwegen. The 12 new furniture modules include elements ranging from reusable fabrics to easily installed compartments. The proposed designs are plotted for a rollout by 2025.
Interiors will better accommodate NS’s 373 million annual passengers with designated lounges, offices, and areas for privacy. Mecanoo and Gispen responded to research on passenger activities with six different activity zones aboard each train, including “open and social” and “private and concentrated” areas. Each of the proposed furniture modules will allow for apt configurations within each zone. Seating options have also been reimagined to better host varying group sizes, needs, and travel times. In addition to traditional two-seat configurations, U-shaped group seats will wrap a folding table and built-in desks will accent single-seat settings. Multi-tiered bleacher seating is also proposed.
