The Transport System Bögl (TSB) was awarded the Red Dot Award 2020 in the category Product Design / Trains and Aircraft. “Both inside and outside, the innovative local transport system impressed with its consistent minimalism, which characterises the light, modern appearance of the fully automated means of transport. By winning the Red Dot Award, the Max Bögl Group is one of the winners of the most renowned design competition worldwide,” reports Stefan Bögl, CEO of Max Bögl, who is responsible for the development of the TSB, delightedly and adds
“Thanks to the entire TSB team and the designer Christian Keller. The cooperation in design, technical development and the production of the first series vehicle was decisive in creating a unique vehicle”.
The TSB convinced the international jury, consisting of experienced experts from various fields who have been coming together for around 65 years.
The special feature of the TSB’s vehicle design lies particularly in the combination of modern design language and functionality. The designer Christian Keller has succeeded in transferring the high technical requirements of the TSB into the vehicle design. For the vehicle front, for example, a concept was developed that integrates the uncompromising integration of the front exit into the expressive vehicle front. A light spoiler structure surrounds the emergency exits at the front and rear. The spoilers can be adjusted for rear and front operation, which reduces air resistance. The vehicle technology is integrated compactly and invisibly in the interior. Floating interior design elements further increase the spatial effect.
The appearance of the vehicle in connection with the track was also a significant aspect in the design development. The design language of the vehicle, especially the front, was harmoniously integrated into the track to create a seamless connection. The material also played an important role in this. Architectural design principles, which gives a rigid concrete structure a dynamic appearance, inspired Christian Keller and his team decisively in the design process of the TSB. The architecture for the Messner Mountain Museum by Zaha Hadid had a certain influence on the project. Slightly convex surfaces, together with the course of parting lines, create a special dynamic. The basic idea of combining technical components with a timeless design can be found in almost all TSB assemblies.
The Red Dot Award: Product Design offers designers and manufacturers from all over the world a platform for the evaluation of their products. In 2020, designers and companies from 60 nations submitted more than 6,500 products to the competition, which had to pass through an evaluation process that took several days. This process is based on two essential criteria: The jurors try out all the submissions in order to be able to judge not only the aesthetics but also the selected materials, workmanship, surface structure, ergonomics and functionality. Only after intensive discussions do they make a decision on the design quality of the products. True to the motto “In search of good design and innovation” only the best designs receive an award. On June 22, 2020, the TSB moved into the “Design on Stage” exhibition at the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen, which will present all award-winning products. This makes the museum a hot spot for top-class industrial design.
The designer of the TSB Christian Keller and his team are convinced that the unique magnetic levitation system will succeed in setting new standards in public transport. The Swiss designers and engineers have closely followed the development process of the TSB and contributed their know-how in many ways: “From the first sketch to the roadworthy vehicle, we have experienced many special moments. We share the joy of receiving the Red Dot Design Award 2020 for vehicle design with the Max Bögl team. The TSB is a pretty unique project in this form”.
Credits: Max Bögl Group