DESIGN NAME: Azur: Montreal Metro Cars
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Public transportation
INSPIRATION: User's feelings, cognitive behavior, customs and emotions were central building blocks in the design of an exterior and interior that not only meets the commuter's most intrinsic needs and aspirations, but does so by embodying universal accessibility for a more modern and egalitarian society.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The design of the new Montreal Metro Cars values the powerful bond that exists between Montrealers and their underground subway system. More that just an efficient mode of transportation, Montreal's new metro cars provide both the city and its residents with the means for a better quality of life for years to come. It bears Montreal's aura of creative energy, provides a source of pride, and contributes to local and global sustainability.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The exterior design of the train integrates an innovative front end that makes the best use of both human factors and maintenance requirements to convey a sense of dynamism, fluidity, safety and modernity. Montreal's famed blue Metro Cars are revived with a more youthful and distinctive image.
Side doors and windows are larger to facilitate boarding, maximize visibility and contribute to an increased sense of security. Open gangways and flip-up seats provide extra space on board and allow unrestricted circulation from car to car. Window bays incorporate armrests, adding both comfort for seated passengers as well as extra space in the aisle to facilitate circulation on board. Practical and innovative handholds are positioned to provide a secure grip to all occupants while simultaneously offering a sense of individuality and minimizing visual obstruction at eye level.
The spatialization of ceiling heights, lighting, signage, handholds, and seats contribute to create a rhythm that enhances a sense of openness and avoid the linear and monotonous environment of conventional metro car interiors. New features combine to provide a genuine universal access experience of the metro cars to all commuters. Such features include high-definition monitors providing passengers with continuous information; seats reserved for people with reduced mobility; chromatic contrasts; strip lights and photo luminescent signage; designated wheelchair areas; and sound and vocal instructions.
The design's ambition is threefold: to contribute to the enrichment of the cultural and emotional bond between the service and the customers; to ensure and allow for a greater coherence, intuitiveness and usability within the service; and to provide a more agreeable and attractive environment in which to enjoy daily commutes.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project is taking place in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The project started May 2006.
The design concept of the new train was created from November 2006 to May 2009.
The industrialization of the design is taking place from December 2010 to now.
A first full size hard mock-up has been unveil to the public on June 2012.
The first of 52 train sets is due by 2014.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The wall panels are made of welded stainless steel structure and its outer shell is aluminum sheeting. The roof is made of streamlined aluminum.With a maximum output of 13,000m3/h,the forced ventilation in the passenger compartment offers more comfort compared to existing metro cars. The variable output is adjusted automatically according to temperature and the train car's passenger load.A gangway module provides a minimum 1300mm opening allowing passengers to move from one car to another, and its interior is finished with flexible panels.On either side of each car are three double sliding doors that open automatically at each station. Equipped with obstruction sensors, as well as audio and visual door closing signals, the electric motor doors are 27% wider that the doors on current cars.The trailer cars at each end are equipped with 22 fixed seats, two fold-up seats and two dedicated spaces for wheelchairs with ischia supports. The seven motor cars hold 28 fixed seats and four fold-up ones. The interior layouts complies with universal accessibility requirements.The motor cars feature a high energy-efficiency propulsion and braking system that maximizes the use of recuperative braking, while minimizing the use of mechanical brakes.Each car is equipped with four multi-functional HD monitors to display information, two destination signs indicating to occupants the name of the next station, an automated announcement system and four surveillance cameras. Ambiant lighting is created by fluorescent tube fixtures providing indirect ceiling light while LED accent lights are located to highlight the vestibules and provide reading light to seated passengers. Strip lights are framing the side doors to announce opening as well as closing.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The train set is composed of 9 cars linked by inter-circulation modules.
Total length of a 9 car set : 152,437 mm
Width of passenger doors : 1,650 mm
Height of passenger doors: 1,950 mm
Overall width: 2,514 mm
Maximum slope 6.5%
Traction power: 750Vcc
Maximum speed: 72.4Km/h
TAGS: Responsible, complex, global, technical, social, ergonomic, cultural, creative, dynamic, modern, cognitive, universal, comfortable, practical,coherent,intuitive, usable, agreeable, attractive
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: -
CHALLENGE: -
ADDED DATE: 2012-09-24 16:18:04
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Jean Labbe, Christian Roy
IMAGE CREDITS: Labbe Designers, 2012.
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