Heathrow Express being tested

TRAINS ran from Paddington station in London direct to Heathrow Airport last week as the Heathrow Express service was tested ready for the full launch on 23 June.

The launch event, created by design group Caribiner, will focus on a “light wall” at Heathrow Central Terminals 1, 2 & 3 station, says Heathrow Express design manager Joanna O’Driscoll. The presentation will feature projections by Scott Burgess, who has been commissioned by Caribiner.

Passengers using the interim Fast Train service currently have to change to dedicated buses at Heathrow Junction. Some trains, designed by Design Triangle, will go through to the Heathrow Terminal 4 station and to Heathrow Central in the lead up to the launch.

Overall branding for Fast Train and Heathrow Express and the concept for station design was devised by Wolff Olins, which also worked on the First Class sub-brand. On graphics, Glazer developed the identity ideas “down the line”, says O’Driscoll.

Newcastle architect Couves has developed Wolff Olins’ ideas, working closely with Gebler Tooth, Heathrow Express’s architect at Paddington station, and Paddington masterplanner Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners. Station seating is designed by Terence Woodgate for SCP.