Exterior and interior design of the SBB Dosto double-decker trains with dedicated special zones
Milani designed the interior and exterior of the new FV-Dosto long-distance trains for Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) in close collaboration with Alstom. The result is a cohesive design concept that gives the train a clear Swiss identity while addressing different usage scenarios through dedicated zones.
During the development phase, the train received several prestigious design awards, including the Good Design Award, the Red Dot Award, and the German Design Award.
Challenge: Combining Swiss identity with diverse use in long-distance travel
With 62 trains, the FV-Dosto will form the largest fleet in SBB long-distance service and provide up to 1,300 seats, increasing capacity on heavily used routes. SBB sought strong partners for the development of this new generation.
The central challenge was to create a train design that conveys a clear and distinctive Swiss identity while meeting the needs of very different user groups. Commuters, business travelers, families, and tourists all use the same train, but with very different expectations regarding comfort, functionality, and travel experience. The goal was a design that not only integrates this diversity but structures it clearly and makes it intuitive to navigate.
Approach: User-centered zoning concept and clear orientation
Milani developed a holistic design concept with clearly defined zones for different usage scenarios, including family, quiet, and business areas. Each zone is tailored to the needs of its target group and supports a specific travel experience. Accessibility requirements were consistently integrated. Wheelchair-accessible compartments and restrooms, stroller areas, and bike spaces are distributed throughout the train.
Materials, colors, and wayfinding were carefully aligned so passengers can orient themselves intuitively and immediately recognize different areas, both inside and outside the train.
The new family area: turning train travel into an experience
Milani developed a dedicated family area on the upper deck, designed around the needs of both children and parents, combining comfort and functionality. Children have space to play and move around, while parents benefit from features such as changing facilities and storage for strollers. The area reduces travel stress and turns the train journey into a distinct experience for families.
Onboard restaurant: elevated travel experience
The onboard restaurant was designed as a distinct space with its own identity. A differentiated color scheme, combined with dark wood flooring and a spacious layout, creates a high-quality restaurant atmosphere. This makes the dining experience an integral part of the journey.
Interior and exterior design: Swissness, spatial quality, and clear navigation
Due to structural constraints, double-decker trains can feel narrow. Milani addressed this with a targeted color and material concept. Light ceilings and generous surfaces create a sense of openness, while wood elements add warmth and quality. Functional details such as power outlets at every seat and generous luggage areas further improve everyday comfort.
Milani also developed a distinctive exterior design that makes the train clearly recognizable as SBB’s new flagship. A consistent wayfinding system with clear pictograms allows passengers to identify different areas from the outside, improving orientation and passenger flow.
Result: A new benchmark for rail travel
Today, the FV-Dosto is considered a defining design icon in European rail transport. It combines design, functionality, and efficiency into a cohesive user experience. Different user groups find clearly defined areas tailored to their needs, from families to business travelers. The clear layout improves orientation and overall comfort throughout the train. Flexible usage concepts, multifunctional areas, and the ability to split train units depending on demand increase operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
With the FV-Dosto, SBB has set new standards for capacity, user experience, and onboard services. The train received multiple awards during development, including the Good Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, and German Design Award.
In addition, the corporate design guidelines developed by Milani ensure the long-term evolution of this design language across future train generations.
Milani Services
- Transportation design, interior and exterior
- Seat design for first and second class
- Color and material concept
- Exterior graphics design
- Concept and implementation of the family area (Ticki Park)
- Wayfinding and signage system
- Pictogram development
- Integration of TSI standards across all areas
