INTERIOR design and concept styling for the Virgin Trains Pendolino fleet was undertaken by Jervis Hegarty Lossano. Key requirements were a Virgin image and a ’passenger-led’ focus whilst meeting safety, fire and crashworthiness standards. Among the innovations planned were an on-board shop replacing the traditional buffet for standard class passengers, seat-back audio and video entertainment, and plug-in points for lap-top computers throughout first class.
Externally, the attributes of speed and comfort are emphasised by a metallic silver livery with highlights in Virgin red. A specially-designed interior carpet features a ’blurred swoosh’. Seating fabrics in standard class use a mix of pairs in burnt orange and blue/violet to create a Virgin image and break up the space. First class seating is olive and royal blue, with coloured end walls in each saloon.
Interior panelling and individual lights at each seat mirror airline practice. The ceiling lights are hidden by a central soffit in maple to reduce the glare; a low-level ambient wash can be selected at night to create a sleeping environment.
Jervis Hegarty Lossano
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