The Bombardier Flexity Outlook trams for the Brussels' transport company STIB (Societe des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles) have won a "Design at Work" Award. The award is an initiative of the Belgian "Interior Foundation" and brings an international overview of the latest ideas, developments and achievements, with the aim of promoting creative and contemporary design. "Design at Work" is the first event under the logo of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009.
The "Design at Work" Award Ceremony took place at the 21st Biennale for International Design in Kortrijk (Belgium). The jury, consisting of a panel of international experts, praised the quality of the entries in terms of production technology, safety, energy consumption, communication effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Bombardier's 32 m long, 100% low-floor Flexity Outlook trams won the award in the category "Mobility". Key characteristics of the vehicles are the intelligent use of space, indirect lighting and the colour scheme. The design language reflects Brussels' history and architecture, in particular the art nouveau heritage of the city. The jury made particular mention of the intelligent use of rich materials. The application of wood and leather for the upholstery of the seats has lead to a substantial drop in vandalism since the introduction of the model.
Johan Van den Bussche, Chief Country Representative Bombardier Transportation Benelux, commented: "As Bombardier Transportation places high importance on innovation, design and sustainable mobility, we are delighted with this award for our Flexity Outlook vehicles. The trams that are produced at Bombardier's Bruges site are the result of successful co-operation with both the customer STIB and Enthoven Associates Design Consultants."
Grego Peters, President, Business Unit Light Rail Vehicles commented: "On 30 September 2008, Bombardier Transportation signed a sponsorship agreement with the City of Vancouver to provide up to two Flexity Outlook vehicles for the City's Streetcar Demonstration Project during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. We sincerely thank STIB, for making their vehicles available."
The Flexity Outlook trams feature street level access for all passengers, especially those with limited mobility, wide doors, large windows, and a spacious interior. The Flexity Outlook tram has the highest safety level in the tram industry. In January 2008, Bombardier signed an agreement with STIB for a total of 102 bi-directional Flexity Outlook trams for Brussels, including a firm order for 87 vehicles.
The "Design at Work" Award is already the 2nd design award the Brussels' Flexity Outlook vehicles have won this year: In January 2008, the trams were awarded a Van de Velde Label. This quality label testifies to the authenticity, innovative thrust, creativity, finish, and added value of the product.
Over 450 Flexity Outlook vehicles are in successful revenue service in the cities of Brussels (Belgium), Linz and Innsbruck (Austria), Lodz (Poland), Eskisehir (Turkey), Geneva (Switzerland), Marseille (France), Valencia and Alicante (Spain), and will soon be put into operation in Palermo (Italy), Augsburg and Krefeld (Germany).