Tram 2030
Autonomous Tram Concept for the city of Dresden
Uni Project | Bachelor's Thesis
Timeframe | 8 weeks 2020
Project Scope | Project Management, Design Research, Conceptual Design, Visualisation
Story
What may happen …
Passengers will prefer the convenience and availability of self driving cars and taxis to public transportation, greenwashing this thanks to the electrification but still not making our growing cities any more liveable.
Public Transportation therefor while have to offer comparable solutions to be a viable alternative for people who are currently travelling by car.
Concept
Small autonomous tram vehicles that can be fitted specifically for the needs of different target groups allow the operator to respond flexibly to specific peaks in demand. Varying routes and frequencies and offered service matching the local and timely demand.
Rethinking the tram ground up to utilize the possibilities of autonomous vehicles.
Crafting a Concept
Exterior Design
Design Goal
While the interior is designed for the needs of the specific target group, the exterior design should be uniform. Designed for the city of Dresden, the vehicles have to fit in but also complement its visual style. After all, they will be part of it for many years.
Stylescape
Dresden is defined by its signature baroque city center but also positions itself as the technological leader of the region.
Both aspects should be reflected in the design.
Exterior Design.
Defined through long continuous curves, the asymmetrical distribution of the glass surfaces, the flared engine housings and the angled displays create a unique but functionally justified appearance.
pulling it together
A Canvas for the City.
Depending, from which side you‘re looking at the vehicle it tells two different stories: providing rider information from the boardwalk, and mirroring the city from the other.
Platooning
The small vehicle units can be connected to each other to form bigger units similar to traditional tramsets.
But with their unique approach of catering to specific user groups they also have the benefit of beeing split up, to serve specific peaks regarding routing, service frequency and also which customers are transported.
Telling a Story
Interior Design
Short distance commuters
The project initially focusses on this one target group to keept the scope concise. Short distance commuters only travel a few stops and are mostly alone. They value capacity over seating.
Stylescape
By adapting the sensation of bar spaces and cafés and in particular, the bar as a place of communication, a social atmosphere can be created that is new to public transport.
Final Design
Open and Safe Space
Handles attached to a floating ceiling gondola and cantilevered handrails eliminate vertical bars and create an open space.
Handrails and standing seats are equipped with footrests to enable multiple new standing positions.
Interior Details
The large gondola covering the ceiling is indirectly lighting the space and features a pattern that also incorporates direct lighting as well as air conditioning vents. It also provides railing to the overhead handles that due to their oval profile can’t swivel but freely slide around it.
