Image of rail (Spoorbeeld) – Dutch Rail Sector

Trigger

Image of Rail is a conceptual framework that integrates all elements and all usages of train stations and their surroundings. It is a kind of virtual concrete that links all stake holders and uses.

Prime domain(s)

Rail, Planning

Prime theme(s)

Urban mobility hubs

Additional theme(s)

Users & Services, Design & Identity

Related showcases

Amsterdam Centraal, Den Haag Centraal, Arnhem Station, Public Transport Smart Card

MEZZANINE

Lead partner

DRS (temporary), Bureau Spoorbouwmeester

Second contact

DRS

Extended summary

Image of Rail (Spoorbeeld) represents the Design Guidelines of the Dutch National Railways. Image of Rail is created for all parties involved with railway planning: from rail partners to construction companies, designers, urban planners, retail, architects and governments. It creates unity between all these disciplines and puts the traveller in the centre of the experience.

Text by Lava (adapted)

GROUND

Form (description)

Image of rail entails six subjects: rail policy, station building, station environment, rail infrastructure, rail environment, and finally, rolling stock. It’s a conceptual framework for organisation of zones in combination with design guidelines.

Operation (usage)

Image of Rail is developed, maintained and monitored by a special agency (Bureau Spoorbouwmeester) assigned by both NS (national railways) and ProRail (national railway provider). In practice Image of Rail integrates all station usages and moreover its safeguards the operations of all connections in the stations as well as the connections between the station and its environments (public space, trains, etc.). In short: Image of Rail works as virtual concrete.

Performance (result)

Image of Rail enhances the perception and use of public transport by train, and particularly the use of train stations. It is results in improved use, wayfinding and adequate crime prevention and social safety.

BASEMENT