Exterior and Interior Design for the Flexity Tram in Zurich
Together with Alstom, Milani developed the interior and exterior design of the Flexity Zurich, the new tram generation of Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (VBZ). The design is consistently focused on usability, safety, and long-term performance in an urban public transport environment.
Challenge: Designing a tram for everyday urban mobility
VBZ set out to develop a new tram generation to meet increasing mobility demands in Zurich. The goal was a vehicle that combines high capacity, safety, and operational efficiency with a clear design identity. The challenge was to create a tram design that performs reliably in dense urban conditions while reflecting the city of Zurich, its architectural character, and the VBZ brand.
Approach: open spatial concept and co-creation
Milani developed the tram design based on a clear and open spatial concept. The reduced form language recalls a pavilion with large window surfaces, creating a bright and welcoming interior. The window design, inspired by Zurich’s tram shelters from the 1930s, opens up views to the city and makes the urban environment part of the passenger experience.
A key part of the project was a co-creation process. Passengers and service staff were actively involved in the development. Their input directly influenced the design, including the wooden seat shells, which resulted from user surveys and public testing. A full-scale mock-up was built and tested with different user groups to validate usability and comfort in real conditions.
Swissness and VBZ brand identity
Swissness and the VBZ brand values were central to the design. The shape of the VBZ logo informed the lighting design at the front and rear of the tram. The continuous white band strengthens recognition of the vehicles within the city.
The ergonomically shaped seats made of sustainable beech wood reflect core values such as safety, cleanliness, and reliability, while referencing the historic Mirage tram of the 1960s.
Orientation, comfort, and safety
The Flexity is the first tram in Switzerland with an LED passenger guidance system integrated into the exterior design. It indicates from a distance whether the tram is ready to depart, improving orientation and reducing time pressure for passengers.
Inside, high-quality materials and functional details such as USB charging ports and integrated hooks at the seats enhance everyday comfort.
Technology, safety, and sustainability
The Flexity meets the highest safety standards thanks to the use of innovative technology. It features an ODAS driver assistance system; an automated obstacle detection system that increases safety for passengers, drivers and other road users.
The Flexity demonstrates exceptional energy efficiency. Braking energy is channeled back into the grid and used for the tram's requirements. The innovative occupancy-driven air conditioning system uses little electricity and operates with the latest carbon neutral coolant. In winter, the Flexity is heated using air source heat pumps.
Result: A benchmark in tram design for urban public transport
The Flexity combines tram design, functionality, and technology into a coherent user experience for urban mobility. The clear layout improves orientation and overall passenger comfort in daily operation. At the same time, the tram strengthens the visual identity of VBZ and meets high standards in safety and sustainability. It will form a major part of the VBZ fleet and shape Zurich’s cityscape.
The project received the Red Dot Design Award and was nominated for the Swiss Design Award.
Milani Services
- Transportation design
- Product design, interior and exterior
- Color and material concept
- UX/UI design
- Full-scale mock-up
- Trim and finish
