Nendo & AREP draw on natural flow of rivers for france's next-generati

Nendo & AREP draw on natural flow of rivers for france's next-generation TGV train design

Nendo & AREP draw on natural flow of rivers for france's next-generation TGV train design

Japanese studio nendo, together with AREP, unveils its river-inspired design for SNCF Voyageurs’ fifth-generation TGV train. Since it began operation in 1981, the train has redefined high-speed rail travel across France and beyond, and the latest iteration, co-developed with ALSTOM, builds on this legacy to reach speeds of 300 km/h while accommodating up to 1390 passengers in its most high-density configuration.

nendo and AREP’s design concept, here rooted in minimalism and efficiency, draws from the natural flow of water to envision this double-decker vessel as an entity that moves smoothly across the landscape. Its external body features abstract semi-circles in white and gray over a warm gray base, subtly evoking the ripples and waves of flowing water. The use of dark horizontal lines helps integrate technical components like inspection ports and exhaust vents into the overall aesthetic, while the doors, painted in SNCF’s signature Bordeaux hue, provide high-contrast visibility for accessibility.

the river-inspired design embraces fluidity

 

Inside the train, nendo and AREP extend the river concept through color, form, and materiality. The seating arrangement fosters a sense of spatial continuity, with horizontal color divisions that align between the seats and walls, reinforcing the feeling of openness. In first class, a palette of Bordeaux and dusky brick red with mustard yellow accents creates warmth, while second-class seating shifts to a cooler spectrum of navy and blue-gray. A subtle gradient effect darkens the seats toward the base in both segments, mirroring the visual depth of a river.

 

The seats themselves embody the natural softness of water-polished pebbles. Designed as shell-like enclosures, they include vertically adjustable headrests and lumbar support, their rounded forms echoing smooth river stones. Upholstered in Octaspring, a lightweight and breathable 3D-knitted fabric, the seats offer both durability and comfort. The design team has also integrated tables that can be adjusted for various uses, from compact smartphone surfaces to wider set ups for working or eating, while foldable footrests and armrests enhance wheelchair accessibility during boarding and disembarking.

the double-decker train hosts various social atmospheres

 

nendo and AREP’s new TGV also reimagines the onboard café experience with a double-decker bar carriage designed to accommodate different social atmospheres. The upper lounge takes the riverbed analogy further, featuring benches and cushions of various sizes and orientations, arranged like scattered pebbles. It features a mix of seating styles, from intimate corners to more open, casual spaces suited for groups. Perforated metal sheets, used in luggage racks and vent covers throughout the train, reinforce the sense of lightness and suspension.

 

Throughout, accessories such as reading lights, coat hooks, and assist grips continue the motif of rounded, organic shapes. Lighting plays a central role in shaping the ambiance, with three distinct models — tall versions for seating areas, compact fixtures for bar carriages, and wall-mounted options for corridors — all sharing a cohesive design language. The overhead luggage racks, too, with built-in lighting, emphasize softness, featuring anti-fall bars that appear to gently touch, reinforcing the theme of weightlessness and floating. 

Categories: Technology

Comments

You must be logged in to comment.

Latest Articals

  • Faith, Healing, and Inner Change Through Inspirational Stories on Spiritual Growth

    Faith, Healing, and Inner Change Through Inspirational Stories on Spiritual Growth

    Spiritual growth rarely happens in comfort. It is often born in silence, struggle, guilt, doubt, and longing. In An Inward Journey, Peter Knoester walks through those very spaces. His reflections are not polished sermons or theological lectures. They are honest confessions, inner debates, prayers whispered in weakness, and meditations on eternity. Through his writing, readers encounter something deeply human: a soul wrestling with God, sin, redemption, and the mystery of existence.At its heart, this book offers inspirational stories on spiritual growth that unfold not through dramatic miracles, but through inward transformation. The author does not present himself as spiritually superior. Instead, he writes as someone aware of his flaws, haunted by his failures, and yet unwilling to stop seeking divine mercy. That honesty makes his reflections powerful and relatable.The Universal Longing for MeaningFrom the opening chapters, Knoester explores the shared human desire to connect with something beyond the material world. He...

  • 99 Exchange Website | Smooth Access & Trusted Service at 99excha

    99 Exchange Website | Smooth Access & Trusted Service at 99excha

    IntroductionIn the fast pace of today’s digital world, users demand fast, secure and easy to use platforms. The 99 Exchange site shines through as a dependable place to get the best, whether you want to make sure you have the best experience or just want to pass through. Run by 99excha, this platform offers you performance, accessibility, and user trust — all in a single place. A Modern Platform Built for ConvenienceThe success of any online exchange platform depends on how easily users can access and interact with it. 99excha has developed the 99 Exchange website with a clean interface, fast-loading pages, and simple navigation tools. Whether you are a new visitor or a regular member, the layout ensures you can quickly find what you need without confusion.From streamlined menus to optimized mobile compatibility, every feature is built to support seamless browsing. The goal of 99excha is simple — provide smooth...

  • Birla Evara Sarjapur: Contemporary Skyline Living with Expansive Green Comfort

    Birla Evara Sarjapur: Contemporary Skyline Living with Expansive Green Comfort

    A modern home should offer more than just luxury—it should provide peace, connectivity, and thoughtfully designed spaces that enhance everyday life. Nestled in one of Bangalore’s most rapidly growing corridors, Birla Evara Sarjapur stands as a landmark residential township that perfectly blends urban sophistication with natural serenity. Spread across 25.71 acres, this premium development dedicates over 75% of its land to open spaces, creating a refreshing environment for residents.Designed under the LifeDesigned® philosophy, the township focuses on intelligent architecture, sustainable planning, and community-centric living. With high-rise towers, dual clubhouses, landscaped courtyards, and more than 25 lifestyle amenities, it sets a new benchmark for residential excellence on Sarjapur Road.A Prime Address in Bangalore’s Growth CorridorSarjapur Road has evolved into one of the city’s most sought-after residential zones. Its excellent connectivity to major IT parks and commercial hubs makes it ideal for professionals and families alike.Residents benefit from proximity to:Major IT corridorsOuter...

  • The Best Books on Leadership: Your Complete Guide to Building Trust, Strategy, and Integrity in Your Leadership Journey

    The Best Books on Leadership: Your Complete Guide to Building Trust, Strategy, and Integrity in Your Leadership Journey

    Leadership is not defined by authority alone. It is revealed through decisions made under pressure, the ability to balance power with responsibility, and the courage to grow when control no longer works. Many leaders turn to the best books on leadership not to find shortcuts, but to understand how trust, strategy, and integrity can coexist. At the center of this conversation stands Machiavelli Mouse: A Search for Hybrid Wisdom by Phillip J. Velasquez—a leadership fable that reframes power as something to be carried wisely, not wielded blindly.This blog is written through the lens of Machiavelli Mouse, using its lessons as the foundation. Together, these lessons reflect why these types of books focus not on domination but on development.Why Machiavelli Mouse Belongs Among the Best Books on LeadershipMachiavelli Mouse earns its place among the best books because it addresses a problem many leaders face but rarely name: effectiveness without integrity eventually collapses. The story follows a...

  • A Guide to Fix QuickBooks Stuck on Installing ABS PDF Driver

    A Guide to Fix QuickBooks Stuck on Installing ABS PDF Driver

    If you are experiencing QBDT installation issues related to QuickBooks stuck on installing ABS PDF Driver, a missing or damaged driver most likely causes the issue. To resolve this, download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub, then use it to run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the potential causes of this error and walk you through detailed resolutions to resolve it. Understanding the Root Cause for Issues with ABS PDF Driver When Installing QBFirst, we need to explore and understand the reasons behind the ABS PDF driver when installing the application:If the QBW32.exe process is active while installing the drivers, it can interfere with and prevent successful installation Saving a file with the wrong extension or working on a file that is damaged or affected If the file does not have the required permissions or access to the specified location Security threats or issues...

  • Krishna Painting Trends: Radha Krishna Canvas Painting & Wall Painting Design by WallMantra

    Krishna Painting Trends: Radha Krishna Canvas Painting & Wall Painting Design by WallMantra

    Spiritual art has always held a special place in Indian homes, and among all divine themes, Krishna painting continues to be the most cherished. Symbolizing love, harmony, and positivity, Radha Krishna artwork beautifully blends devotion with artistic elegance. From contemporary Radha Krishna Canvas Painting styles to thoughtfully crafted Radha Krishna Wall Painting Design trends, this form of art is evolving to match modern interiors.At WallMantra, we bring together tradition and design to create wall art that uplifts both your space and your spirit. Krishna Painting: Timeless Beauty with Spiritual MeaningA krishna painting is more than décor—it’s a symbol of divine love, compassion, and joy. Whether Krishna is depicted playing the flute, standing serenely by Radha, or surrounded by nature, each artwork creates a calming and positive ambiance.Why Krishna Paintings Are Always in Trend:They bring peace and spiritual energy into the homeThey suit both traditional and modern interiorsThey create an emotional...