Japanese design studio Nendo and French architecture and design firm AREP have collaborated to redesign the fifth-generation French high-speed TGV train. The design reflects the red, white, and blue colors of the French flag.
Nendo and AREP began the design in 2018, completely redesigning the train, from its exterior to its interior furnishings and seats. The new design is based on the Avelia series from French rail manufacturer Alstom and will be launched under the new brand name ‘TGV Inoui’.
The front of the train has been designed to be more aerodynamic to improve energy efficiency and has a long black oval design. The exterior paint is bright white to help save energy for cooling in the summer.
The interior is composed of soft curves and natural colors, and the seats and lighting are inspired by pebbles polished by water. The seats are ergonomically designed and made of 3D knit fabric to flexibly adapt to various body shapes. The seats are also designed to be thin to provide ample leg room while maintaining comfort.
The interior of the cabin is decorated in the colors of the French flag, with first class in red and second class in blue. All seats are designed to be equipped with lighting and charging ports.
Another feature of the new TGV Inoui is the redesigned restaurant car, 'Le Bistro TGV Inoui'. The two-level space features self-service food and drinks on the lower level, while the upper level is a relaxed lounge area.
The TGV Inoui, newly born through this project, is scheduled to enter full operation in 2026. The entire train design has been designed with sustainability in mind, using more than 97% of recyclable materials, and has been built to be easy to maintain and clean.
