Milani celebrates 60 years

Milani transportation design that moved Switzerland

From locals to tourists, almost everyone has taken a ride in a Milani-designed vehicle. Surely you have too! Our designs have shaped not only vehicles, but entire regions.

But did you know how Milani went from an agency specializing in medical technology to one of the leading names in transportation design? Discover exciting anecdotes and get a behind-the-scenes look at some of our highlights.

Highlight 1

The Legendary Posters: How Francesco Milani Put Ticino on the Map

Francesco Milani, the founder of our agency, is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in medical design. But his creative acumen extends far beyond medical technology. Deeply connected to his roots in Ticino, Francesco has also left an indelible mark on transportation and tourism design.

In the early 1980s, Ticino was at a crossroads. The region sought to refresh its image and establish itself as a premier vacation destination for German-speaking Switzerland. At the heart of this transformation were Francesco’s visionary designs, which played a pivotal role in shaping Ticino’s new identity.

1982 was the 100th anniversary of the Gotthard Tunnel, Switzerland's proudest landmark. For the first time, the Gotthard was reimagined not only as an engineering marvel but also as the gateway to adventure and discovery - a fresh and bold approach that made history.

Another standout moment was Francesco’s iconic poster for the Centovalli Railway, which links Locarno and Domodossola. His design highlighted the breathtaking beauty of this legendary route, transforming it into a symbol of Ticino’s promise: nature, culture, and relaxation. These posters sparked a newfound appreciation for Ticino, reframing it as an inviting destination rather than a distant corner of Switzerland.

These designs were more than just visually striking campaigns—they were instrumental in modernizing Ticino’s image and elevating it as a vacation hotspot.

Today, Francesco’s posters are recognized as design treasures. They are part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Design in Zurich. The Swiss Federal Office of Culture acquired them along with the entire archive of Francesco Milani, recognizing them as an important part of Swiss design history. Visitors can view these timeless works in the museum’s Schaulager, a must-see for any design enthusiast.

Francesco Milani designed the poster for the 100th anniversary of the Gotthard Tunnel.
The Centovalli Railway poster by Francesco.

Highlight 2

Train Design for SBB: How Milani Went from Zero to Double-Decker

In 2010, SBB made history by awarding Bombardier, now Alstom, the largest rolling stock contract in its history. This monumental project catapulted Milani into the world of transportation design,

It all began surprisingly unspectacularly - over a newspaper and a cup of coffee. Therese Naef, co-managing director of Milani and the daughter of a "Bähnler" (railway worker), came across the tender during breakfast and immediately thought, “This is our project!” She reached out to Bombardier, and the connection was instant. Bombardier was searching for a Swiss design agency with local expertise, and Milani proved to be the perfect fit. The collaboration took off, launching Milani’s journey from zero to double-decker.

Working closely with Bombardier and SBB design teams, Milani developed the interior and exterior design for the FV Dosto long-distance trains, which entered service in 2018. The mission: to create a train with a distinctly Swiss identity that catered to the needs of diverse passenger groups.

 

The result is a bright, modern and spacious interior with areas tailored to the needs of all travelers. Families benefit from diaper changing rooms, strollers and a (very popular!) children's play area. Business travelers benefit from power outlets and quiet work zones. Cyclists and adventurers appreciate dedicated bike storage and ample baggage compartments.

The FV Dosto is also a model of energy efficiency and flexibility. Its modular design allows trains to split based on demand, minimizing energy waste and avoiding empty runs. Multi-functional compartments with folding seats adapt to accommodate wheelchairs or prams, ensuring inclusivity.

Milani’s influence extended beyond the FV Dosto itself. The team developed corporate design guidelines to establish a consistent design language for SBB’s future rolling stock, creating a cohesive and recognizable identity for the brand. Today, the FV Dosto is celebrated as a design classic, recognized for its role in shaping the identity of passenger trains in Switzerland and Europe.

The project garnered numerous accolades, including the Good Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, and German Design Award.

Highlight 3

How New Trains for Appenzeller Bahnen Transformed Eastern Switzerland

In 2014, Appenzeller Bahnen embarked on a transformative journey. As part of a landmark project, they planned to replace at least half of their rolling stock—an ambitious milestone for Eastern Switzerland. But this was about more than just new trains. The the new Trogen-St. Gallen-Appenzell cross-city line, complete with a newly constructed tunnel and 15-minute intervals, was poised to revolutionize connectivity for commuters and travelers alike. The challenge for Milani and Stadler Rail? To design a train that seamlessly replaced trams—without passengers noticing the transition.

By 2018, the vision became reality. The new line and the "Tango" train were inaugurated, offering passengers a stunning journey through the breathtaking scenery between Teufen and Appenzell. Milani’s design blended tradition and modernity, creating light-filled interiors with expansive panoramic windows that made every trip a visual experience.

Another highlight was the introduction of the "Waltz" train on the Gossau-Appenzell-Wasserauen line. Each of these character-rich trains celebrates a unique Appenzell custom, making the travel experience a cultural journey.

Both trains feature colors, materials, and design elements inspired by Appenzell traditions, such as costumes and cowbells. A standout detail is the seat design, which includes typical Appenzell phrases collected from local residents through the creative “Wa chonnt der in Sinn?” competition. This thoughtful touch transforms every trip into a mini voyage of discovery.

With these innovative trains, Appenzeller Bahnen has not only modernized its fleet but also redefined the image of Eastern Switzerland. By harmoniously combining tradition with modernity, Milani has created designs that celebrate and proudly represent the region.

Behind the scenes: Designers Stefan Pfister and Livia Knecht-Weber chose colors and materials for the interior that are based on Appenzell tradition.
The seat covers are inscribed with typical Appenzell expressions and dialect words. The public was invited to suggest their favorite words - a total of 790 suggestions were received.
As you board the Waltz Line, you will notice the driver's cab door with large photographs of typical Appenzell customs. Each train features a different custom: the «Silvesterchlause», the «Bloch», the «Alpfahrt», the «Betruef» and the «Alpstobete».
The "waltz" on the rails.

Highlight 4

The Flexity - how the new tram design set a milestone for Zurich

The Flexity tram marked Milani’s debut in tram design—and fittingly, it happened in our home city of Zurich. As Zurich’s most user-friendly and environmentally friendly tram, the Flexity set new benchmarks for public transport.

In 2016, the Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (VBZ) slaid the groundwork for the future of mobility by commissioning a new generation of trams to meet the city’s growing demand. Collaborating with Alstom, formerly Bombardier,

Milani designed both the interior and exterior of a low-floor tram tailored specifically to Zurich’s needs.

The Flexity’s design draws inspiration from Zurich itself. Its simple, pavilion-like form pays homage to the city’s architectural heritage, while high windows, influenced by 1930s tram shelters, create bright, light-filled interiors that turn the passing city into the main attraction for passengers. Comfort and safety were prioritized at every step, with the first-ever LED passenger guidance system in Switzerland integrated into the tram’s exterior. This innovative feature signals departure readiness from a distance and saves passengers the hectic rush to the platform.

Sustainability was another cornerstone of the Flexity’s design. 96% of the materials used are recyclable, and cutting-edge technologies ensure energy efficiency, making it one of the greenest trams on the market.

The development process was truly collaborative. Milani and VBZ actively involved passengers and service staff, incorporating their feedback into every detail. For example, wooden seat shells, inspired by a public survey and a “test seat” event at Bellevue, were chosen for their comfort and hygiene. To refine the design further, a full-scale wooden model was built at VBZ’s Altstetten workshop, where it was tested by diverse user groups.

Since its phased introduction in 2020, the Flexity has begun shaping Zurich’s urban landscape. When fully deployed, it will account for two-thirds of the VBZ fleet. Designed not only for Zurich but with Zurich, the Flexity represents a milestone in the city’s mobility—blending heritage, innovation, and sustainability into a tram that is truly built for the future.

Picture above: In April 2018, the 1:1 wooden tram maquette was unveiled to the press and select user groups. Photo below: At Bellevue, an extensive passenger survey was conducted with "seat testings." One of the results was that 70% of the passengers surveyed preferred wooden seats to upholstered seats because they found them more hygienic.
Pictured above: Milani designers Manuel Ailinger and Therese Naef discuss different colors and shapes. Image below: The ergonomically shaped seats, made of sustainable and hygienic beech wood, pay homage to the 1960s Mirage tram.

Highlight 5

Rigi Bahnen: How the Queen of the Mountains Got Her Unique Design

Until recently, the Rigi featured two distinct train designs: red for the Lucerne side and blue for the Schwyz side. But Rigi Railways had a bold vision: to create a unified train design that could seamlessly serve both sides of the mountain and embody the majesty of the “Queen of the Mountains.” An ordinary commuter train? Out of the question.

Together with Stadler Rail and Milani, this vision became a reality. Milani crafted a new interior and exterior design for the next generation of trains, setting new standards in aesthetics, functionality, and passenger experience. The design drew inspiration from both the rich history of Rigi Railways and the breathtaking landscape it traverses.

The train’s exterior design is understated yet elegant, featuring a timeless palette of white, black, and pearl beige that pays homage to railcar no. 6, the world’s oldest electric rack railcar. The upward-facing car fronts direct attention to the mountains, while expansive panoramic windows turn each trip into a rolling vantage point, showcasing the majestic scenery.

 

A standout feature of the train is its custom-made wooden benches, inspired by the iconic alpine meadow benches of the region. These seats are more than just functional—they offer a unique experience. Positioned directly next to the driver’s cab, they allow passengers to enjoy an up-close view of the journey, quickly becoming the most sought-after seats and a sensation on Instagram. To perfect this design, Milani and the Rigi Railways technical team tested prototypes ranging from cardboard models to wooden iterations, ensuring every detail was just right.

Since their introduction in 2022, the new trains have not only elevated the travel experience but also set a benchmark for sustainability. They utilize regenerative braking systems to feed energy back into the network and operate uphill with resource efficiency.

With this new generation of trains, Milani has created a design that honors the legacy of the Queen of the Mountainswhile offering passengers an unforgettable experience.

Die Holzliegen neben dem Führerstand, inspiriert von den Alpwiesen-Liegen auf der Rigi, sind ein besonderes Highlight. Das ganze Milani-Team hat sie umfänglich getestet – vom Kartonmodell bis zum Holzprototypen.
Das stolze Milani-Team bei der feierlichen Einweihung: v.l.n.r. Therese Naef, Evelyn Hausser, Claudia Polli, Stefan Pfister.
Published on: 29. November 2024
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