Ferrari Designer Unveils Futuristic Cruise Train

As a student, the usage of public transport has become a daily routine. Both to University and work, during my current internship year. I am always fascinated when art and design meets methods of transport and the limitations that are reached - be it trains, super cars, yachts and airplanes. Which is why this luxurious super train designed by Ferrari designer, Ken Okuyama and commissioned by JR East, not only fascinated me but made me realize that architecture is not something that stands still from the ground, but can be a moving body - and this 'boutique hotel on rails' definitely proves that. 

I have to give Okuyama his due, but I never thought that public transport could look so good. Combining both futuristic and retro looks, the luxury sleeper train will feature Standard Suites with sofa chairs that fold into beds and split-level Deluxe Suites with a living area on top, a sleeping area below, and a private bathroom on the entry level in-between. The observation deck is a focal area, proving to be extremely futuristic with the views that it provides together with the interior designs, by the look of the renders below.

Internal views of a deluxe suite, complete with a separate sitting room and bathroom. 

East Japan Railway Company cc.

The designer, Ken Okuyama, is well known for Ferrari designs, as well as having experience in designing eyewear, furniture and has previously worked with the Japanese rail company, JR East's recently launched E6 and E7 bullet trains. 

The turning point is the numbers of course. The Cruise Train, taking in consideration being designed by a Ferrari car designer, is expected to cost 5 Billion Yen (approximately R519 million ZAR / US $49.3 million). JR East would definitely have to attach a high price range for such a luxurious 'train journey' in order to make their money back, seeing that the ten-car train would only be able to house 34 passengers. On the bright side of things, JR East is scheduled to commence operations in 2016, leading to the launch of the Cruise Train, which should happen around 2017.

Below are a few visual renders which were released, of the proposed Cruise Train. 

Proposed dining car. East Japan Railway Company cc.

Proposed lounge car. East Japan Railway Company cc.

Internal view of a deluxe suite living room. East Japan Railway Company cc.

Internal view of a second class compartment. East Japan Railway Company cc.

Internal views of a deluxe suite and deluxe bathroom. East Japan Railway Company cc.

External views of the proposed Cruise Train. East Japan Railway Company cc.

All images are copyrighted and remain the property of JR East and Ken Okuyama.

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"Casa Football" Housing Units - Brazil

With the 2014 Brazil World Cup coming to a close in a couple of days time, with the Final of Germany and Argentina remaining, together with the 3rd and 4th play off of Brazil and Netherlands, there have been quite a bit of design based ideas and proposals of what the stadiums will become of, after the World Cup has ended. 

Architects Axel de Stampa and Sylvain Macaux of '1Week1Project' have proposed a manipulation of the World Cup venues in a project titled "Casa Football", whereby modular housing  units would be inserted into the existing structures, approximately 105 square meters. Each design is unique to each venue and stadium itself, so that the stadiums can still operate as per usual. Either part of the stands inside the stadium would be replaced with the prefabricated units or by redesigning and occupying the actual facade. This would of course add a human scale to these monumental buildings. It is a brilliant initiative overall; creating job opportunities, additional housing for citizens and adding a different perspective to the look and feel of the World Cup Stadiums. 

"This work in progress is a collective enterprise, by calling upon different people, we mix a truly multidisciplinary practice with our desire to hear from different viewpoints", states the Architects. 

Without further ado, check out these awesome design-based renders for such an innovative idea:

National Stadium: Castro Mello

External render of the National Stadium/ Castro Mello. cc: 1Week1Project

Render of the National Stadium/ Castro Mello, depicting the facade units. cc: 1Week1Project

Arena Das Dunas

External render of the modular units incorporated in the Arena Das Dunas. cc: 1Week1Project

The integration of how the units are incorporated in the facade of the Arena Das Dunas.cc: 1Week1Project

All images are copyrighted and remain the property of the rightful owners.

To find out more about the '1Week1Project' initiative by architects Axel de Stampa and Sylvain Macaux, browse through their website: www.1week1project.org/en/

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Designs of Qatar's Second World Cup Stadium unveiled - Al Bayt Stadium

Images have been released of the latest Stadium design for the 2022 World Cup, by Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. The proposed Al Bayt Stadium to be completed in 2018, located in Al Khor will be surrounded by the new Al Bayt district, which will also host retail space and restaurants, as well as landscape paths for the residents own usage. 

The stadium itself was designed by an unnamed group of Qatari architects, although Dar Al Handasa are credited as the design consultants. The design reflects Qatar's proud history and culture - based on the Bayt Al Sha'ar, a black and white tent used traditionally by nomadic people in Qatar, which would have been a welcome symbol of hospitality for dessert travellers. Which brings upon quite a stir of controversy, having a stadium with a black roof, housed in a city with extremely hot conditions. 

Joining Zaha Hadid Architects' Al Wakrah Stadium and being one of the World Cup's semi-final venues, the stadium will house 60 000 seats, but after the tournament the design will allow the upper tier of seating to be removed, reducing the stadium to 32 000 seats. The removed seats are planned to be donated to other countries, to leave a legacy for international football development, which is a great initiative, in my opinion. 

The Al Bayt Stadium will be constructed in accordance with the New Worker's Welfare Standards; a policy brought in as a response to continued concerns over the safety and welfare of construction workers on Qatar's world Cup projects. That being said, there still remains a big debate on the vast amount of deaths, accidents and injuries that would probably take place, during the construction of the stadium. 

Photographs: Neoscape, Inc

All images are copyrighted and remain the property of the rightful owner(s). 

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