Rigiblick Funicular – When Light Becomes the Driving Design Element
What happens when light becomes the driving force in public transport vehicle design? For the next generation of Zurich’s Rigiblick funicular, Milani Design & Consulting, in close collaboration with VBZ, Garaventa, and CWA, developed a forward-thinking vehicle concept: identity-building, user-centered, and surprisingly spatial.
Innovative Lighting Concept for Passenger Comfort and Brand Identity
At the heart of the design is an element rarely found in rail interiors: a central glass roof window paired with a circular ceiling light, complemented by expansive panoramic windows. This iconic lighting feature fills the compact passenger space with daylight, giving it a surprising sense of spaciousness. Even on overcast days, the interior feels bright, open, and inviting.
The ring-shaped light does more than provide illumination – it acts as a visual anchor and establishes a connection between vehicle, station architecture, and the urban context. Milani developed a cohesive lighting and design concept for both the vehicle and the modernized stations. The ride becomes a seamless, branded passenger experience – complete with sweeping views over Zurich.
Despite strict platform and technical constraints, the design achieves a high-quality, spacious feel through bold use of light, volume, and materials.
User-Centered Design for a Diverse Passenger Base
Today, the Rigiblick funicular serves a remarkably diverse group of passengers – morning commuters, children on their way home from forest playgroups, tourists with luggage, and theatergoers at night. The new cabin layout was purposefully designed to meet these needs without requiring changes to existing station infrastructure. Milani put people at the center and created an interior that is inclusive, comfortable, and intuitive for everyone.
A slightly raised, U-shaped seating area structures the space and enhances openness. Two ground-level seats allow barrier-free access. There is ample space for strollers, wheelchairs, bikes, and luggage – all within the compact footprint. Warm, durable wood surfaces create a pleasant tactile experience and pay homage to the design language of the original funicular. The design also considers the needs of operations staff: easy-to-clean surfaces, robust, vandal-resistant materials, and maintenance-friendly construction ensure long-term efficiency, fully aligned with the goals of sustainable urban mobility.
The exterior design translates key elements of the VBZ corporate identity into a clear, contemporary, and timeless design language, ensuring strong visibility in the urban landscape. The new Rigiblick funicular demonstrates how even small spaces can deliver powerful brand experiences and real value for both passengers and operators – through strategic, refined design solutions
Milani Design Services
- Interior and Exterior Transportation Design
- Exterior Graphics
- Material and Color Concept (CMF)
- Compliance with Applicable Norms and Standards
- Design Quality Assurance
- Visual Storytelling
