By
Bombardier
PTV (Public Transport Victoria)
KDR
Victorian Government
ICN (Industry Capability Network)
Description
Inspired by one of Melbourne’s most loved icons the E-Class tram was designed by Bombardiers Australian based Industrial Design team. From the very first sketches through to the completed vehicle our team took a holistic approach to design which ensures consistency in the style and finish of every detail. Close collaboration with other Bombardier divisions and suppliers, as well as the use of the latest technologies, materials and manufacturing techniques resulted in the delivery of a vehicle which sets new standards in quality, fit, comfort and security for passengers and staff alike.
Key Features
and/or Benefits
The Melbourne E-Class tram is a Light Rail Vehicle designed exclusively for the Melbourne tram network. It has been designed to reflect different aspects of the city’s personality and to create an iconic addition to Melbourne’s tram network. Utilising Bombardier Australia’s internal Industrial Design Centre of Excellence saw the vehicle design set new standards with regards to aesthetic and functional appeal. Inspired by one of Melbourne most loved icons, Luna Park, the E-Class tram front end design reflects the bold neon lighting crowning the famous “Mr Moon” face through the lighting details.
The Vehicle interior has been designed with clean crisp lines and forms to reflect the high quality service provided by the tram operator. To maximise the passenger experience, design elements have been carried through from the vehicle exterior, creating a visually and emotionally holistic public transport design. Materials, colours and forms were chosen to enhance the design, comfort and maintenance aspects of the vehicle whilst maintaining the operators branding guidelines.
Inclusion of Human Factors into the design process has streamlined and enhanced end-user acceptance as well as the comfort of both passengers and staff alike. Optimised positioning of hand and grab rails, as well as complying to a number of Australian standards including the DSAPT provide a comfortable safe environment for the traveling public. The design team paid special attention to the drivers cab and the working environment. Everything from the position of controls and displays to the sightlines of all current drivers, using customer anthropometric data was considered to provide the perfect working environment for KDR staff.
A cross-disciplinary design approach enabled Bombardier’s internal Industrial Design team to quickly develop viable interior and exterior concepts. Through this process the design team was also able to Influence structural design elements as well as challenging current ideologies and manufacturing solutions. This enabled Bombardier to develop a unique cab crash structure while maintaining the concept design aesthetics. As well as cross linking with structural engineers and designers we were also able to collaborate with electrical engineering disciplines to develop a low cost exterior lighting solution, minimising parts through standardisation and developing a solution that was also maintenance friendly.
Bombardier’s internal Industrial Design Centre of Excellence has been able to transform over the last 10 years a very heavy Engineering lead industry into an industry that respects and understands the importance and role of design. Industrial Design has not only created a great product for the end user, but it has also improved assembly methodologies, standardisation of parts, improved supplier and manufacturer’s performance, quality and techniques. Industrial design has also pushed the local and international supply base out of their standard comfort zones and into areas of innovation. Bombardier's Industrial Design team now export design globally within Bombardier.
