Concorde, the Spitfire, Rolls Royce and the Routemaster bus successfully established Britain as a champion in the 20th century global design marketplace. British designers Priestmangoode have conceptualized a bullet train which they believe could be the British design icon of 21st century, a high speed train designed for low-carbon ultra-efficient travel.
Mercury is a double-decker train with a unique interior design that intents to revolutionise domestic rail travel.
Introducing an entirely new concept in the way we travel, the train will incorporate a flexible, open plan design allowing for interaction, space and relaxation without compromising privacy. Both commuting and longer haul journeys will be more relaxed, comfortable and akin to modern living, featuring traditional commuter seats (designed to incorporate in-transit entertainment systems) alongside private berths - for families, private parties or business meetings echoing the nostalgia of compartmental train travel. A children's play area will be integrated into the train and a luxury first class section will mirror the choice offered to air travellers with a luxury lounge and bar.
The exterior of the train, designed to emulate those great British design classics, will be up to 400m long and the extended nose section will be one of the most extreme in the world - vitally important for the aerodynamics of a train which will travel at 225mph.
Images: Courtesy of Priestman Goode