As part of a program for the future upgrade of the rolling stock of the subway system, designers for the interior of the Kawasaki test train have successfully resolved issues of transit safety, maintenance and cost efficiency through innovative design.

Studying existing trains and drawing on personal experience, the designers concluded that subway cars are usually cluttered, making information difficult to find. In response, interior detailing in the prototype trains is kept to a minimum: flanges are eliminated from tubing, panels are frameless and trims on access doors have been removed. Wall, ceiling, floor and window bezel surfaces are finished in a neutral, gray-speckled tone that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. With an ergonomic profile of molded fiberglass, the single seating module can be used either as an individual unit or a bench and is colored in one of three primary colors to make the interior cheerful.

Two sources of lighting – cove lights and a central ceiling light – run the length of the cars and provide the high level of illumination needed to convey a safe and pleasant environment. The cove lights also illuminate the information panels just above eye-level that contain maps, safety information and regulations, making information easy to see.

Throughout the design, care was taken to analyze detailing and avoid haphazardness. The resulting design is a visually clean and coherent interior.

CREDITS...

• MTA New York City Transit
• MTA Arts for Transit
• Kawasaki Rail Car Inc.
• Vignelli Associates

JURY COMMENTS...

Within the strict constraints of a New York City subway car, the elegant and simple lines of this design create a calm and comfortable environment for the transit rider. Careful attention to detail, choice of materials and color combine to make this place, where the public is often crowded together, an inviting and agreeable, as well as safe and secure environment.

The economy of means contributes to the great beauty created in this most constricted and difficult part of our public realm. This is an outstanding example of good design contributing to the quality of public life.