Designer Ahmed Smaali had two priorities in mind when he conceived his Libya's Tramway project, namely to update the public transit system between Tripoli and Benghazi and to incorporate a little bit of old Arabic culture into the otherwise industrial-looking coaches.
The streetcars themselves seem to match and even exceed the sleek, streamlined and low-riding appearance of the machines found in several Western cities, but they boast an aesthetic feature that no others have. Horizontal stripes along the bottom and the top of the windows are accented with an intricate traditional moucharabieh pattern, painted on with clean lines and a subtle elegance. No logos, labels or advertisements need distinguish Libya's Tramway, for this design speaks for itself regarding the culture-rich metropolis it serves.
Elaborately Patterned Light Rail
Libya's Tramway Combines Current Tech with Ancient Deck
Trend Themes
1. Sleek Streetcar Designs - Opportunity for designers to create aesthetically pleasing public transportation vehicles that combine modernity with cultural elements.
2. Incorporating Traditional Patterns - Growing trend of incorporating traditional cultural patterns into modern infrastructure and design.
3. Culture-rich Transportation Systems - Increasing emphasis on creating public transportation systems that reflect and celebrate the cultural heritage of the city or region.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation Design - Designers in the transportation industry can explore innovative ways to incorporate cultural elements into vehicle design.
2. Infrastructure Development - Opportunity for architects and urban planners to incorporate cultural patterns into the design of public infrastructure projects.
3. Travel and Tourism - A chance for the travel and tourism industry to promote cultural immersion experiences by highlighting transportation systems that blend modern functionality with traditional aesthetics.