Have you ever noticed that bus seats have strange patterns? There's a curious and clever reason for this! Find out now.
Bus seat designs rarely attract attention, but when they do, it’s rarely for the right reasons. Colorful, chaotic, and seemingly meaningless patterns are common on public transport.
But why do these seats have such a peculiar design? Is it a question of aesthetics or is there a practical reason behind it?
The hidden function of strange bus seat patterns
Before understanding the reason for the extravagant patterns, imagine a simple experiment: hit a piece of wood on a piece of fabric upholstery in your home. property.
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Within seconds, a cloud of dust would form around you. Now, think about the number of people who use the seats on a bus every day.
If someone were to regularly bang on public transport seats, the results would be terrifying.
The solution to hiding dirt and wear is design. Multicolored and abstract patterns disguise stains, dust and signs of use, keeping a reasonably clean appearance for longer.
Additionally, these standards also help extend the time between deep cleanings, which reduces maintenance costs for transportation companies.
The material that makes the difference
Fabrics used in public transport need to meet several requirements beyond just hiding dirt.
They must be durable, fire-resistant, comfortable and easy to clean. As a result, materials such as leather and vinyl have been discarded in many transport systems because they do not offer the best combination of comfort and safety.
One of the most common solutions adopted over the years was the use of fabric called carpet, which stands out for its combination of resistance and functionality.
What is moquette?
Moquette, or automotive velvet fabric, is an upholstery fabric widely used in public transport, composed of 85% polyester and 15% nylon.
Its structure with standing fibers, known as “pile”, ensures that dirt is hidden between the fibers, avoiding visible stains.
This fabric has several advantages:
- Durability: Withstands high volume use and is less prone to tearing and vandalism.
- Easy maintenance: Hides dirt and stains, requiring less frequent cleaning.
- Security: Flame retardant, reducing risks in case of fire.
- Comfort: More breathable than leather or vinyl, avoiding thermal discomfort for passengers.
- Quick drying: Water dissipates quickly, reducing the time it remains wet.
- Sustainability: Some modern versions of carpet are produced with recycled materials, making the option more ecological.
Because of this, the carpet It is an efficient material and widely used in transport networks around the world. Its choice is not random, but rather the result of constant research to optimize passenger comfort and safety.
How are patterns chosen on buses?
The development of upholstery patterns is not random. Most designs are created by algorithms and follow strategic principles. Patterns must fulfill two main functions: camouflage dirt and reinforce the visual identity of the transport company.
To do this, some guidelines are followed:
- Avoid large areas of a single color, as dirt and wear will quickly become visible.
- Preference for dark tones, such as blue, brown and beige, instead of light colors that show stains easily.
- Use of different shapes, patterns and contrasts to divert attention from any wear and tear.
- Inclusion of elements that reinforce the company's visual identity, such as institutional colors or logos disguised in the design.
- Consideration of color psychology to provide feelings of tranquility and comfort to passengers.
The evolution of seating design in public transport
The design of public transport seats has evolved over time as new technologies and materials have emerged. While in the past, wooden and hard metal seats were the predominant choice, today the trend is to use more ergonomic and sustainable materials.
Recent research suggests that some cities have been exploring antimicrobial fabrics to reduce the spread of germs and improve hygiene on public transport. This innovation could be an important step towards the future of urban mobility.
Bus seats may seem strange at first glance, but every detail has a purpose. From the fabric used to the chaotic patterns, everything is designed to ensure durability, safety and a cleaner appearance.