Crossrail Line-wide Components

Eoin Billings of Billings Jackson Design is Product Design Lead for the architectural components package of the new Crossrail project in London.

The intention is to give the railway a strong and coherent identity, enhancing passenger experience while meeting expectations of function, cost and sustainability. The line-wide components comprise cladding and lining systems; platform edge screens; floor specifications; lighting; lifts and escalators; communications equipment including CCTV and speakers; seating and handrails; and signage solutions including digital displays.

Working with the lead design team, the industrial design team has brought together these disparate elements to create a single vision that strategically establishes the design boundaries for each and maximizes the procurement opportunities for line-wide application.

In addition to the benefits for procurement, construction and maintenance, the design detail of the passenger experience from the station entrance - platform - train - platform - station exit is unified to create the feeling of familiarity, confidence and security for both the commuter and the tourist.

This is achieved by creating a palette of details, materials and colours that are then applied at each specific site. Applying this approach to all elements coheres the various architectural station designs to create a single system journey experience.