The Italian architect Arturo Tedeschi has (re)thought the historic Milanese tram for a tram concept to be used in Milan. It's called Passerella, and it has ethics and aesthetics for social distancing.
Designed as a modern version of the classic tram ATM Class 1500 introduced for the first time in the city in 1929, Passerella is its heir for the new millennium. It recovers and reinterprets the style and proportions of the first model numbered 1503.
In addition to renewing the design, Tedeschi has added technologies and features compatible with an increasingly health-conscious world. Inside the revived Milanese tram there are plexiglass shields to separate the individual seats, and walkable indicators to mark the distances between travellers.
“The tram is certainly the most loved symbol of public transport in Milan, with particular reference to the iconic 1503 model,” declared the designer.
The social removal measures adopted by the city (one of the most affected in Italy) are changing the habits of citizens and the way they live and perceive public transport
Arturo Tedeschi
Catwalk: embracing change
Among the best approaches to a world in battle, Tedeschi prefers the more empathetic ones. Among its intentions, for example, that of giving recommendations for social estrangement on public transport a more “friendly” design.
Milan is the capital of design and aims for optimum also in terms of social communication. For this reason, integrating circle motifs into the flooring fulfills a dual aesthetic and practical purpose: leaving a mark, marking a distance.
The interiors of the historic Milanese tram projected into the future
Catwalk in name and in fact: the interior of the vehicle is designed just like a fashion catwalk. An open corridor with rows of seats lined up on each side.
This passage is surrounded by “high-end” materials such as arch-shaped golden borders on the plexiglass dividers, homogeneous with the circular patterns on the floor. Geometries and materials that seem to compose a scenography, rather than an internal space.
Fashion as an antidote
The creative and productive movement that revolves around Milanese fashion, says Tedeschi, has always given impetus to the city. The fashion boom in the 80s, for example, constituted a formidable reaction to the climate of the lead years.
This emergency can also be overcome with enthusiasm, ingenuity and... Style.
Catwalk has to sell: the chromatic combination of yellow and black colors is recurring both inside and out. An electronic display runs along both sides of the tram to inform people of upcoming stops on the journey.
Nothing is left to chance: even the roof of the vehicle, usually a “residual area”, follows the striped aesthetic, which recalls artistic futurism. It wants to be attractive even when viewed from people's balconies.
The updated design maintains the same dimensions as the original ATM Class 1500 model, but has better accessibility. In summary, traditional elements and proportions perfectly integrated with innovative details.
