BOMBARDIER
Brussels tramway, Belgium
Mission
Yellow Window was commissioned to support Bombardier Transportation in the bid process for a new customized design for the city of Brussels.
The ambition was to create an emotional bond between the trams and the citizens of Brussels to successfully compete with private transport, as well as motivating the public to use it. The result was a vehicle that set new standards in terms of comfort and atmosphere.
2003 – 2005
Result
Yellow Window wanted to enrich the language of the design with semantic and cultural connotations referring to the city’s history and rich art nouveau heritage. Drawing from past and present, the Flexity Outlook is conceived as a contemporary interpretation of art nouveau that takes care to integrate the tramways into the capital’s surroundings.
Rich colour schemes were used, including gold and bronze. Alongside innovative lighting, they enhance aesthetic elegance and contribute to a pleasant travelers’ atmosphere. The choice of materials was motivated not only by the quality of feel but also taking lifespan and ease of maintenance into consideration.
By opting for a luxurious feel for the tram, Yellow Window created public transport that prevents vandalism. The respect shown by the operator through the vehicle prompts the passengers to convey respect to each other and their surroundings.
Bombardier’s bid won the tender and the tram for Brussels became one of the largest Flexity tram orders. Over the past ten years, operator MIVB/STIB has used multiple purchase options to build up a total of 170 Flexities, the latest being delivered in 2014.
