When you step onto a bus or a train, the vibrant, often chaotic patterns on the seats might catch your eye. Have you ever wondered what inspired such quirky designs? As it turns out, the reasoning behind these patterns goes beyond aesthetics; it has a lot to do with addressing a rather grim issue – stains.
The patterns adorning the fabric of train and bus seats vary across the world and serve multiple purposes. Some patterns are indicative of the seat’s intended use, such as priority seats reserved for the elderly, pregnant individuals and those with injuries, or disabilities. Others are designed to provide a sense of location, as seen in the distinctive patterns found in places like Moscow.
However, there is more to these patterns than meets the eye. They are carefully designed to hide stains effectively, and this fact is directly linked to the daily wear and tear these fabrics endure during commuters’ journeys. From morning seatings to late-night rides where spills and accidents are not uncommon, there is a high potential for stains. Just as you wouldn’t wear a pristine white shirt while devouring a messy bowl of spaghetti, minimalist seat designs are not practical in this context.
In essence, these busy, vibrant, and often zany patterns make stains far less conspicuous, helping to maintain a cleaner and more visually appealing environment for all passengers.
But it’s not all about functionality; there is also an art to these patterns. In different parts of the world, seating fabric serves as a design statement. Textile artists take inspiration from a wide range of sources, from the natural world to famous artists. They aim to create designs that not only look great in daylight but also under artificial lighting, embracing nature and the arts in their creativity.
Moreover, the fabric used for bus and train seats differs from what you might find on a typical sofa. This distinction is not arbitrary but, rather, a product of intentional design choices. In the realm of public transportation, moquette is the favoured fabric. Originating from the French word for carpet, moquette has been a fixture on buses, trains, trams, and trolleybuses for over a century, having been sat upon by millions of commuters.
The moquette fabric is woven using the Jacquard weaving technique, often comprised of 85% wool mixed with 15% nylon. Its selection for public transport serves a dual purpose. First and foremost, the moquette is celebrated for its durability and resilience, ensuring it can withstand the rigours of daily use by countless passengers. Second, the colour and intricate patterns of the moquette are particularly adept at disguising signs of dirt, wear, and tear.
In addition to its practical attributes, moquette is cost-effective and easy to mass-produce, making it a practical choice for public transport systems around the world.
So, the next time you take a seat on a bus or train and are confronted with a lively and eccentric pattern, you can appreciate that it’s not just about aesthetics. These designs serve the dual purpose of concealing the inevitable stains that come with daily use while also adding a touch of artistic flair to your commute. It’s a clever blend of practicality and creativity that keeps public transport looking its best.
