Imagine this: what if a high-speed train transformed into a gracefully flowing river? Japan’s Creative Genius in Design Oki Sato, leading the nendo studio, has joined forces with the French AREP design team to create the new TGV inOui train for the French National Railway Company. Anchored by Flowing River as the design core, it brings the elegant rhythms of nature into the realm of high-speed rail travel.
Design Visionary Oki Sato
nendo Studio
Founded in 2002, nendo Studio, led by the renowned Creative Genius in Design Sato Oki, has gained worldwide acclaim for its minimalist yet poetic designs. The name of the studio, nendo, translates to Clay in Japanese, symbolizing its fluid and versatile design philosophy. Sato Oki excels at transforming everyday observations into designs full of delightful surprises. His infusion of a river-inspired concept into France’s high-speed railway project is a brilliant showcase of his ability to observe nature and translate it into design.
In addition to revealing the design sketches, Oki Sato personally boarded the train to experience it firsthand.
Since it began operations in 1981, France’s high-speed train TGV inOui has not only connected major cities across France but also extended its reach to neighboring countries. Launched in 2018, the fifth-generation TGV features a double-deck carriage system, achieving speeds of over 300 km/h. While prioritizing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, it has also set a new benchmark for passenger capacity.
The imagery of River is cleverly incorporated
The nendo team observed that railway trains must traverse vast terrains along their tracks. Drawing inspiration from Flowing River as the design concept, they ingeniously incorporated the smooth flow of rivers, the variations in depth, the rounded riverbed pebbles, and even the floating sensation and bubbly textures of water. Every detail has been meticulously crafted, allowing passengers to experience a journey as serene and comfortable as gliding along a river.
The color gradients inside the compartments correspond seamlessly to the seat-level Horizon divisions. Darker shades dominate the lower section, gradually transitioning into lighter tones above, mimicking the varying depths of water. Meanwhile, the first-class compartments exude a warm ambiance through Bordeaux red, brick red, and mustard yellow, whereas the second-class compartments evoke a sense of calm with navy blue and blue-gray hues.
The chair design features a shell-shaped, wraparound form that mirrors the smooth contours of riverbed pebbles. It incorporates the special Octaspring 3D knitted fabric to ensure breathability and comfort. The seat arrangement resembles the natural distribution of pebbles along a riverbed, creating a space that’s both cozy and rhythmically dynamic. Even the floating-style bar design, along with the flooring materials and patterns reflecting gentle water ripples, is thoughtfully crafted to evoke a sense of lightness, as if floating on water.
Dynamic Spatial Configuration
In the double-deck carriage layout, every detail of the space embodies the imagery of flowing water: the bar counter in the dining area on the first floor features an elegant curved design with a floating structure, making the entire space appear as if it’s drifting on the surface of the water; even the shelves and storage spaces avoid rigid right angles, opting instead for smooth, flowing curves.
The second-floor lounge transforms into a tranquil riverbed, with seating and benches arranged in a way that breaks the traditional linear layout of trains. Much like the naturally scattered pebbles along a riverbed, this setup creates a harmonious rhythm within the space. The overall flow is designed to be smooth and organic, allowing travelers to experience a water-like sense of comfort and elegance as they move through, perfectly embodying the designer’s unique interpretation of Mobile Architecture.
Three Different Lighting Configurations
Creating a Flowing Play of Light and Shadows
In the carriage design, the lighting system artfully captures the dynamic beauty of flowing water: three distinct light source configurations create a space filled with layered light and shadow. High-mounted lighting fixtures are suspended above the seating area, providing a warm and ample source of light for reading. Lower-level lighting adorns the bar area, crafting a cozy ambiance reminiscent of shimmering water reflections. Wall-mounted lights extend along the passageway, ensuring a gentle and even flow of illumination throughout the space.
Worth a special mention is the custom-made bright yellow pebble-shaped lamp by nendo. Not only does it echo the overall river-inspired design concept, but it also creates varying light and shadow effects at different times of the day. This three-tiered lighting design makes the interior of the carriage feel as if it’s gently enveloped by rippling water, weaving a distinctive traveling experience through the interplay of light and shadow.
This eco-friendly train, which carries 650 to 740 passengers, is not just a masterpiece of aesthetic design but also a trailblazer in sustainability, crafted with 97% recyclable materials. It’s truly a new benchmark for green transportation.
Source @tgvinoui @sncfvoyageurs @nendo_official @yann_audic @arep_group
