City planners in Bergen know their city needs room to grow so it can maintain its importance as a commercial centre. But the idea for a light rail system connecting surrounding valleys to the main city was not without controversy. Kontrapunkt and our design and architectural partners were asked to create a coherent brand for Bergen Bybane that would contribute to gaining community support as the system was developed and for its future use.

Not all of Bergen wants a light rail. Aren’t there better ways to spend the money? Why risk the town’s UN designation as a heritage site with heavy construction? With that kind of resistance, we knew the importance of considering every architectural and communication detail from the user’s perspective. A design thread unites all aspects of the system—station buildings, platform furniture, uniforms, trains, logo, typeface, signage….  The system and its elements are fully integrated into the social and natural landscape of the city.

The rail system is well-integrated and an important new layer has been added to this already culture-rich city. Research during the development phase has also shown that the popularity of the system was growing from its initially poor local support. Bergen Bybane has a consistent and coherent identity in place as it prepares for its launch date in the summer of 2010—a day we hope our work contributes to getting all aboard.

For further information, please contact senior project manager Lars Larson