Working with Virgin Hyperloop One, and the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai (RTA), Designworks helped create a prototype design for the Dubai hyperloop capsule. The design recently made its global debut at City Walk Dubai as part of UAE Innovation Month. This is the first time a physical, full-scale hyperloop prototype has been shown to a broad public audience.
Once built, the passenger capsule, electromagnetically propelled through a vacuum tube, could reach speeds up to 1,080km/h, potentially traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in as little as 12 minutes. Virgin Hyperloop One is currently negotiating the next stage of development (Phase 2) with the RTA with the clear aim of building the world's first hyperloop transportation system in the UAE / Middle East.
Designing for the future of mobility
Building upon extensive design experience across public and personal transport projects and a firm focus on the future mobility landscape, Designworks played a crucial role as Virgin Hyperloop One's design partner, offering critical thought leadership and concepts to create the prototype's visual identity and interior passenger experience.
"With the Virgin Hyperloop One design, we wanted to create a new visual expression for a new mode of public transportation" says Designworks LA Studio Design Director, Johannes Lampela.
The central challenge the Designworks team faced was how to create a comfortable and engaging interior with no windows, and a current requirement for passengers to be seated throughout the journey. Designworks took what might at first glance be a very restrictive environment and transformed it into a more personal and uplifting sensory experience that can be both memorable and enjoyable.
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