Haruku Nishikawa

Exterior Concept Sketch

Defining an Australian DNA in vehicle design is complex. This project draws from Holden cars, Melbourne trams, and icons like the J-class, Indian Pacific, The Ghan, and XPT to capture a sense of place. Inspired by mining machinery, eucalyptus greens, ochre sands, and metallic tones, the design conveys strength, warmth, and resilience. The exterior blends robust engineering with approachability — a metallic body grounded in landscape, softened “eyes,” and an XPT-inspired window line. Rejecting sterile white minimalism, the Australian HSR feels raw, capable, and enduring — a machine belonging to the continent it serves.

Sketch of Interior (Economy Carriage)

The train’s interior is more than a product — it’s an atmosphere shaped by light, texture, and calm motion. Each passenger exists in a private world within collective movement. The design reflects Australia’s diversity through a palette inspired by eucalyptus greens, sandy beige, and sun-washed tones, creating warmth and inclusivity. Large panoramic windows connect travellers to the passing landscape, while muted palettes replaces sterile minimalism. The result is a grounded, welcoming space — a moving reflection of Australia’s land and identity.

The Lounge Car Design: Expanding Collabs from Artists to Edible Coffee Cups

The Lounge Car reimagines Australian coffee culture as a space where travel, creativity, and sustainability converge. More than a café, it’s a living gallery showcasing collaboration between local artists, designers, and craftsmen. The aroma of coffee blends with the rhythm of the train, reflecting Australia’s café spirit. Partnering with Good Edi, it serves coffee in edible, compostable cups — a symbol of circular design. Brick textures, warm lighting, recycled materials, and panoramic windows create a relaxed, communal setting celebrating connection, craft, and conscious design.

Filling the Gap: Designing the Human Experience of Australian High-Speed Rail

This project fills the gap left by the High Speed Rail Authority’s (HSRA) technical focus on infrastructure by addressing what passengers will see, touch, and feel. While HSRA defines the corridor and engineering, this design explores the human experience — the train’s exterior form, interior atmosphere, seating, lighting, and materials. It transforms travel from mere transport into a comfortable, culturally resonant journey, embodying Australian identity through sustainable design and emotional connection. It completes HSRA’s vision by designing the missing layer passengers interact with directly.

The Five Pillars of Sustainability in Australian High-Speed Rail Design

The five pillars of sustainability guide this High-Speed Rail design: Environmental Sustainability through renewable-powered operation, lightweight recyclable materials, and reduced CO2 emissions. Economic Sustainability by ensuring efficiency, long lifespan, and lower operational costs. Social Sustainability through inclusive accessibility, community connectivity, and job creation. Emotional Sustainability by fostering comfort, belonging, and pride in Australian design. Life Cycle Sustainability through repairable components, modular interiors, and circular design principles — creating a system that endures responsibly from manufacture to retirement.

The Stars of the Southern Hemisphere

The design reimagines the Australian High-Speed Rail as a journey through both land and sky. The panoramic glass roof invites passengers to look upward, revealing the night sky and constellations of the Southern Hemisphere — a uniquely Australian experience. The dark metallic exterior mirrors the sky’s depth, while the gold stripe recalls the horizon at dusk. Inside, the interplay of soft light, shadow, and reflection creates a meditative atmosphere. Inspired by the country’s vast landscapes and celestial beauty, the design connects passengers to place, turning every journey into a moving observatory — grounded, luminous, and deeply Australian.

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