Amsterdam sloterdijk ns ov balie cepezed

NS public transport desk

clients(s)

Nederlandse Spoorwegen

location

Nederland

users(s)

Nederlandse Spoorwegen

Commissioned by the Dutch Railways (NS), we designed the public-transport desk. This new, prefabricated travel-information point replaced the old information desks at around 30 train stations in the Netherlands. The new public-transport desk is more compact, sturdier, can be used more flexibly and fits in better with the current identity of NS.

Leiden centraal trap ns ov balie cepezed

léon van woerkom

Mobile workplace

The public-transport desk is a climate-controlled booth. It consists of a single counter with among other things a monitor, printer, folder display and cupboard space. Staff can carry out their work either standing or sitting.

The booth is easy to relocate and, if required, is also suitable for use outdoors or on the platforms. It has a triangular design with rounded corners: this makes the information point visible, recognizable and accessible from all sides.

Transparent and sheltered at the same time

The appearance of the info point is as transparent as possible. At the same time, it provides good shelter. The glass skin is partly covered with foil and has refined detailing.

During daily use, the counters are subject to various situational conditions, such as corrosion particles coming from the train tracks or the use of floor cleaning machines. Therefore, the visible steel construction has been executed entirely in stainless steel, while the height of the plinth was chosen to facilitate efficient cleaning of the surrounding floor. The non-visible frames have been implemented in galvanized steel.

Amsterdam centraal hal a ns ov balie cepezed

léon van woerkom

léon van woerkom

léon van woerkom

Recognizable colours

For the graphic elements in and on the units, we worked closely with the office of information designer Paul Mijksenaar. This bureau is also responsible for the design of the general station signage in the Netherlands. In accordance with this, for example, the top edge is blue with illuminated white lettering in NS signage style.

Functional manned and unmanned

The work lights are integrated into the ceiling. In a manned situation, this creates one large area of light, which contributes to the visibility of the NS employee.

In an unmanned situation, the ceiling light is off. The information screen is then facing outwards, so that travellers can read information themselves. Unmanned, the counter is also closed off with a sliding glass hatch that is cleanly integrated into the design. This hatch has a counterweight that can be operated from the inside via an ingenious system.