CITY SLICKER: When Design Triangle created the Interior for Bombardier's DLR tender, the concept had to reflect a 21st century environment, seamlessly integrating into the modern Docklands

摘要

THE DOCKLANDS Light Railway (DLR) was one of the first light-rail systems to be constructed in the UK, and features one of the world's safest and most advanced automatic train control systems. The network first opened in 1987 as a modest ￡77 million railway to serve the first brownfield London Docklands developments, with an 11-vehicle fleet and 15 stations. Today, though, DLR is a ￡1 billion, 27km railway with 34 stations and 94 vehicles. With passenger numbers expected to increase to 60 million within the next two years, through various extensions and enhancements, it is important that the DLR manages to meet demand while also acting as a catalyst for regeneration. In May 2005, Bombardier was awarded a contract to build 24 new rail-cars for the system; vehicles that will be supplied between 2007 and 2008. Design Triangle, the vehicle design and engineering specialists, was the creative team behind Bombardier's most recent success. The Cambridge-based consultancy created the tender designs that went on to win the contract for Bombardier to produce the new rolling stock. The objectives of the DLR tender design were clear - the needs and aspirations of the passenger had to come first. The interior had to communicate efficiency combined with the personal service synonymous with the DLR, while the overall design needed to convey operational confidence.