International Railway Journal - July 2008 - (Page 45)

Train interiors Welcome to IRJ’s InnoTrans preview A S the world’s railway industry gears up for InnoTrans 2008 – the biggest trade show of the year – IRJ is covering the exhibition in more detail than ever before, in this, the first of three preview sections. In this issue, we look at some of the latest developments in train interiors and train maintenance, with in-depth feature articles. In the August edition, we will be looking at companies in the infrastructure sector, and in September, we will be covering the latest rolling stock innovations, as well as a comprehensive show preview. All three editions of the magazine will also be available for readers and show visitors at InnoTrans. We are now inviting contributions for the August and September editions. We want to hear about what your company will be showing at InnoTrans, as well as any new launches and product developments. To find out more or to send information to us, please contact Contributing Editor Andrew Roden via e-mail at ar@railjournal.co.uk, by telephone on +44 1326 313945, or by writing to IRJ at the editorial address on page 1. Are you sitting comfortably? Rail passengers expect to find a level of refinement and comfort in modern rail vehicles that they would find in their own car. Stephane Pottier of MBD Design, France, explains how passengers’ individual preferences can be accommodated on intercity trains. S EATS are a key element in any passenger transport system. To be transported comfortably for any length of time means finding a reasonably ergonomic position, be it sitting or lying. Obviously, travel duration is a key factor through which the level of comfort will be measured and adjusted, other parameters being the cost of the solution and adaptation to specific constraints such as resistance to vandalism. Seat design within any vehicle has always been a matter of relationship between the individual, their personal space, and their broader surroundings. Old horse-drawn carriages had just very simple bench seats, immediately accessible from outside. Later on, closed compartments became the natural solution for keeping out draughts, rain and cold, though retaining the face-toface layout directly inherited from the traditional stagecoach. Evolution to the railway coach has been a long process, with an incessant battle between preferences for compartments and open seating. The tendency to bring more individuality to the seat came mostly through the coach layout, as the rather monotonous vision of more than 20 rows of identical seats led designers to consider how they could bring more intimacy to train interiors. There is now As technological advances change the way we live, passengers demand more from train interiors. IRJ July 2008 45

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of International Railway Journal - July 2008

International Railway Journal - July 2008 Contents This Month News Transit News Market News/Technology News News Analysis Conference Report Korean Railways Face a Bright Future Korean Exports Surge Ahead Ready to Roll in China Velaro Shows Eastern Promise Are You Sitting Comfortably? Compin Meets New Challenges The Fabric of Society Grinding Out a Result Rendezvous Full Contact List The Last Word

International Railway Journal - July 2008

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