SHIFT TRAIN
This project explored the application of interior prefabrication and mass production in the non-architecture environment of train cars. In precedent studies of sleeper trains, dining trains, and caravans–strategies of mirroring/repetition, subtraction, stacking, and sliding expansion were standouts among successful programming deployments.
During a three-week charrette, a fullscale wearable device was created, taking into account the limited space available in coach train cars and seats. This device was designed to address both the physical and environmental challenges posed by train travel, as well as the evolving dynamics of passenger interactions over time. As a result, a conceptual framework was developed to define key factors, environmental aspects, and programmatic considerations for the interior design of reimagined dining and sleeper trains.
Type: Pre-fab Mobile Interior
Site: Amtrak Dining + Sleeper Cars
Duration: 14 weeks - Spring 2023
Skills: Rhino, Illustrator, Photoshop
Distinction: Featured in Wearable Interior by Deborah Schneiderman for the academic journal, Interiors Design/Architecture/Culture, published by Taylor and Francis
WEARABLE APPARATUS - ideation
WEARABLE APPARATUS - implementation
In precedent studies of sleeper trains, dining trains, and caravans—mirroring/repetition, subtraction, stacking, and sliding expansion were standouts among successful programming strategies.
A wearable apparatus–designed to mitigate the public site of a coach train seat–evolved through the use of these strategies to offer storage, privacy, support, comfort, hands-free entertainment, and style. The schemes were combined to create a functional mobile environment with the ability to enjoy separate or shared experiences while traveling.
Expanding on this desire, Shift Train’s interior shies away from static elements and instead uses variable components to offer passengers a personally tuned comfort level while maximizing limited space.
Within the sleeper car, travelers can choose from various multi-use spaces, with accommodations for groups of two to thirty-six; Shift Train permits communication between berths across the length of the car. Larger rooms hold up to four people.
Vert, the train’s signature bed, comes recessed into the wall as a pair. The facing unfolds to provide a side table, a surface for snacks and drinks, writing, or a laptop. By sliding it forward, rotating it away from the wall, and lifting out the central cushion, Vert transforms into a deep armchair.
The removed cushion can be used as a headrest, extra seating, a work surface, or a footrest. When it’s time to sleep, replace the central cushion, slide, and unfold to transform Vert from chair to bed. Side-by-side, the pair create a generously sized sleeper for two.
Those traveling solo can opt for a single or double bed, both of which come equipped with storage, individual lighting, charging points, locking privacy, a personal window, and a berth that transforms to allow for upright relaxing. The double option functions like a futon, folding to support seating or laying flat for sleeping. Recessed shelving makes space for digital devices, enabling hands-free entertainment. The single berth is inset and stacked above the room. Passengers can choose to slide open portals for connection with the adjacent spaces on either side. The corner of the bed cushion lifts out and can be placed as back support, empowering passengers to adjust their seating position to face out into the aisle or more privately within their pod.
The dining car provides three seating zones. Centrally located, a raised bar generates space for a recessed lounge area below, and communal tables bookend the car on either side. While perched at the bar, diners can shift their view by sliding their stool back to become a footrest and rotating their seat. Privacy partitions, recessed in the armrests of the lounge chairs, slide up and hinge to become trays or work surfaces.
Inspired by automats and Japanese eateries, vending machines dispense food on Shift Train. Diners choose not only their meal and drink options but also their seat type. Communal tables with benching allow larger groups to eat together. Raising and unfolding recessed partitions creates separation between parties, and sliding bench backs grant easy access to interspersed seating.
MOVE AWAY FROM STATIC TO A PERSONALLY TUNED COMFORT LEVEL
verb: move or cause to move from one place to another, especially over a small distance; change in emphasis, direction, or focus
noun: a slight change in position, direction, or tendency
MATERIAL SELECTION - focus on sustainability
KnollTextiles | Wrap Up
Tarragon (W24107)
100% post-consumer recycled polyester grade-10, approved for wrapped panel and upholstery.
+ Bleach cleanable
+ PFAS Free
+ NRC 1.05
+ Clean Air Gold
+ 100,000 Wyzenbeek
Durasein | Surface
Odyssey (DM3009)
Composed of 2/3 natural minerals and 1/3 high performance acrylic resin and pigments.
+ Easy to clean
+ Impact, scratch, heat, fire, mold/mildew resistant
+ Renewable, repairable, recyclable, reusable
+ Food safe, non-toxic, nonporous, anti-bacterial, low VOC
+ Seamless, thermoformable
+ Greenguard God, NSF-51, ISO 9001, USGBC, ISFA
Plyboo Bamboo | Edge Grain
Amber
96% Bamboo, 2% Adhesive, 2% Finishing Compound
+ Fire resistance: Class C
+ ULEF
+ Rapidly Renewable Materials
+ Low-Emitting Materials
+ Certified Wood
Plyboo Bamboo | Tambour Doors
Custom SHIFT Painted Pattern
96% Bamboo, 2% Adhesive, 2% Finishing Compound
+ Fire resistance: Class C
+ ULEF
+ Rapidly Renewable Materials
+ Low-Emitting Materials
+ Certified Wood
