Voxpop

French design star Philippe Starck is set to redesign Eurostar (DW 21 June). What would you put top of his list as action points?

‘I guess I only have one suggestion – Philippe Starck should make the inside as good as the outside of the Eurostar.’

Michael Rodber, Director, Jones Garrard

‘The appointment should be welcomed. Action points could fill a manual, but emphasis on the overall needs of older people must head the list, and to remove the “boudoir” lamps in first class, and the finger-chopping tables would be a good start.’

Jane Priestman, Design Management Consultant

‘Starck is a fantastic artist, but I don’t think practicality and pragmatism are words I would normally associate with him. If he’s required to meet current and proposed UK rail safety and performance regulations (and in several respects the current Eurostar doesn’t), he may find the process leads to frustrations and compromise. He could find this difficult. Top of his action points? Have a stiff Cognac.’

Mike Denny, Partner, Roundel

‘Look at the Victorian celebration of engineering – every tunnel entrance was lavishly decorated, recognising immense pride and sense of achievement. What do we have now? A concrete box to the entrance of the Channel Tunnel. Hardly a great announcement to one of the great engineering feats of the 20th century. First, sort out the service. The pedestrian speed the train goes through the UK is embarrassing compared to the speeds achieved in France. If euro-train travel is truly going to compete with air travel, it needs to compete on standards of service. There’s little drama in the experience of travelling on Eurostar, on a service that has the potential to be one of the world’s great experiences.’

Paul Priestman, Director, Priestman Goode

‘It’s an interesting appointment and should yield some great design. However, there is a danger that this could result in a classic case of “lipstick on the face of a gorilla” if the basic customer experience isn’t addressed. Customers will value punctuality, great food and outstanding service just as highly as the design of the product. If all these issues can be addressed together then it will, at last, become a compelling choice.’

Peter Knapp, Executive Creative Director, Landor