designer andrea ponti has introduced ‘island’, a double-decker driverless tram for the city of hong kong in the post COVID-19 era. the innovative project is based on the concept of social distancing, and it incorporates industrial , transportation, public, urban design mobility and sustainability. island double decker driverless tram for hong kong 1

front and rear feature full-rounded glasses and panoramic view

 

 

‘island’ by andrea ponti takes its name after the innovative design of the interior, where large circular benches facilitate social distancing and passengers sit facing outwards in a radial pattern. meanwhile, the exterior design is inspired by the local urban landscape, which features vast surfaces of glass and rounded-corner buildings. natural light floods the interiors during the day through the curved windows and a domed top, which also provide awe-inspiring views at night.

 

 

island double decker driverless tram for hong kong 2

the exterior design is inspired by hong kong urban landscape

 

 

the driverless technology optimizes the interior space of the tram, making it easier to manage travel times and increase onboard safety. the tram has a retractable connector for rapid charging at tram stops. large vertical leds enhance visibility in all weather conditions. the interior features minimalist design, charcoal black walls, soft circular seating, wooden floors and trims with natural finish all create a neutral and friendly environment. this chromatic diversity, in addition to the dark color palette, frames and accentuates the beauty of urban hong kong.  

island double decker driverless tram for hong kong 3
wide glass surfaces ensure natural light during the day, and awe-inspiring views at night

 

 

the project also includes team stop design, with the structure having a sleek, simple look. being open on both sides, it facilitates a linear, orderly flow of people and a healthier environment. the graphics guide passengers through the boarding and payment process, made by octopus card, before boarding. this streamlines the boarding procedure and optimizes the available space inside.

island double decker driverless tram for hong kong 4
the interior features minimalist design, charcoal black walls, wooden floors and trims with natural finish

island double decker driverless tram for hong kong 5
large circular benches facilitate social distancing as passengers sit facing outwards in a radial pattern

island double decker driverless tram for hong kong 6
the tram stop features simplified structure and essential lines

island double decker driverless tram for hong kong 7
the tram stop facilitates a linear, orderly flow of people and a healthier environment

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the graphics guide passengers through the boarding and payment process

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island tram travelling westbound towards sheung wan, hong kong

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top view with detail of the domed glass and circular benches

'island' is a driverless social-distancing tram designed for hong kong
island tram in des voeux road, central, hong kong

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view of the interiors from the upper deck

 

 

 

project info:

 

name: island
designer: andrea ponti

 

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom