Heatherwick among designers working on HS2 ‘vision’

Around 30 designers are being brought together in an event today to propose ideas for the future design of HS2.

This will result in the Design Vision report, which will be published later this year by HS2, the body responsible for developing the project.

The project is being led by former Design Council chief executive David Kester and also features structural engineer Jane Wernick.

HS2 wouldn’t name the full list of designers involved, but the event will also be attended by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

McLoughlin says, ‘Great design is about utility, usability and delight. Great design creates things that are both useful and loved by those that use them. It creates landmarks.

‘Britain has some of the most talented, creative and intelligent designers and engineers working today. With HS2 there’s an opportunity to show the world what Great British design can do that will last for generations to come.’

Kester says, ‘For HS2 to fulfil its transformational potential will mean that every aspect will need to be brilliantly considered and work hard for so many people: communities along the route, passengers; pretty much every UK citizen and visitors too.

‘This is what great design and innovation can deliver and these are skills we have in abundance in this country. It is excellent news for the project that the government and HS2 are placing a high priority on design and ingenuity.’

Earlier this year an ideas competition was held by the Royal Institute of British Architects to create designs for the overhead line structures that could be deployed on the HS2 network.

The Bill that would allow for the construction of the HS2 network is currently passing through Parliament.