Mod-Ice: A Cool and Modern Suburban Train Design

Visualizing Coolness and Comfort in Modern Transportation

Mod-Ice aims to provide a cool and refreshing experience to its passengers in a modern and innovative way. The design features dynamically moving ice cube patterns that create an abstraction of a cool airflow. The lighting behind these patterns further enhances the refreshing perception by creating movement on the texture.

What sets Mod-Ice apart is its compatibility with modern city silhouettes. The sharp and simple lines of the design make it a perfect fit for contemporary urban environments. The use of cool and light colors adds to the perception of spaciousness, while also evoking a sense of cooling down. This design is specifically tailored for cities with hot climates, offering a comfortable and enjoyable journey for passengers.

Mod-Ice also prioritizes the needs of various types of passengers. The train includes separate areas for small bags, big luggage, baby carriages, bicycles, and wheelchairs, accommodating a wide range of travelers. This inclusivity ensures that everyone can enjoy the benefits of this modern and cool suburban train.

The realization of Mod-Ice involves the use of advanced technologies. The interior dimensions are carefully calculated to allow for the use of identical perforated sheet metals for the ceiling and identical FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) side panels created from the same mold. The tempered glasses next to the doors are textured with an icing process and illuminated with hidden LED lights. The seats are made of lightweight PP GF25 (HL1-HL2-R6) material, reducing the overall weight of the train. Nonflammable fabric is used to coat the seat base and back supports. The exterior features a combination of FRP and sheet metals, with blue textured stickers applied in specific areas for railway applications.

Technical specifications of Mod-Ice include a height of 4050mm, width of 3050mm, and length of 93600mm. The train can accommodate 212 seats, with additional areas for wheelchairs and standing passengers. The capacity can be increased by connecting two trains with a hidden coupler inside the nose structure. The design meets various standards, including EN45545-4, EN45545-HL2, UIC 651, UIC 660, UIC567, TSI-PRM[27], UIC565-3[62], and TSI 16635[71].

Mod-Ice is designed to operate in medium-haul distances, such as airport connections, suburban areas, and outer city regions. Its modern and cool aesthetic, combined with its functionality and inclusivity, make it a standout choice for transportation in warm climates.

The creation of Mod-Ice involved extensive research, including benchmarking and field studies. The needs of different types of passengers were carefully considered, and the design was developed based on the research findings. Interior and exterior design trends, color palettes, and various materials and finishing methods were gathered together on a moodboard to inform the design process.

One of the main challenges in creating Mod-Ice was achieving a modern look while using cost-effective methods. The design team also aimed to strike a harmonious balance between the interior and exterior design, both of which contribute to the feeling of a cool and icy atmosphere.

Mod-Ice is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of its designer, Oguzhan Topcuoglu. This design has been recognized with the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Vehicle, Mobility, and Transportation Design category in 2022. This award celebrates designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.