A Bold Beginning for Responsive Rail
High Speed Rail 2 is a major high-speed rail project designed to transform travel between London and the West Midlands by providing a high-capacity, zero-carbon alternative to car.
Working directly with passengers and the HS2 team, we developed a comprehensive train interior system that utilises responsive rail principles to create a flexible cabin that can be easily adapted to the varying needs of passengers and operators. This approach optimises layouts and elevates the travel experience, ensuring every touchpoint, from social hubs to intuitive information delivery, balances ambitious design with commercial reality.
Adaptive seat systems offer demand-based flexibility to enhance passenger comfort and cabin openness. In
Standard Mode, the central armrest tracks laterally whilst
the aisle armrests rise for accessibility. Transitioning to Premium Mode transforms the window-side backrest into
a functional console with table surface and ambient light feature.
The carriage entry point serves as a welcoming hub, streamlining the boarding experience with integrated wayfinding and real-time onboard information. This area features a large information display and comfortable perch seating, illuminated by soft ambient downlighting. Engineered for simplified maintenance, the entry provides a functional and intuitive introduction to the onboard facilities and route details.
The Cafe Space is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to function as a crew-operated kiosk or an independent self-service station for customers. The adaptable setup also serves as a central base from which staff can provide premium at-seat service.
The toilet space features contemporary yet functional forms combined with a light, durable palette of materials and lighting that increases the sense of space,
To test comfort, feasibility and carriage arrangement we created physical and digital prototypes. This rigorous process validated functional forms, durable materials and ergonomics, ensuring a highly accessible environment optimized for the best possible passenger experience.
