HS2 begins search for design panel members

HS2’s design panel has begun its search for designers to join the body that will oversee design development of the mammoth infrastructure project.

Led by architect Sadie Morgan (pictured), the design panel will aim to “embed design excellence in all aspects of HS2”. The panel is looking to recruit around 30 design experts, with its work formally beginning this autumn. Applications to the panel can be made through HS2 Ltd’s website.

Morgan said: “HS2 is one of the country’s great design opportunities. I am looking for a group of experts from across a wide range of disciplines to join HS2’s independent Design Panel. They will help make sure that design remains at the core of this project and delivers all its potential benefits for future generations.

“HS2 needs to work not only for its passengers but for all the communities it affects. It should respect and enhance the environment and stand the test of time. I have confidence that with an influential Design Panel we can ensure that HS2 provides an outstanding passenger experience and best value to the nation.”

In March Building revealed that Morgan, co-founder and director of dRMM, had been appointed to lead the HS2 design panel.

At the time Morgan said the body would be a “critical friend” of the project. It will guide the design of all elements of the infrastructure behemoth, from the stations, trains and railway lines through to the ticketing system and even the look of the HS2 website.

An outline Design Vision for the project has already been published, which drew on input from over 40 leaders in architecture, design, transport and engineering to help draft the Design Vision, including the designer of Google’s planned new Californian HQ Thomas Heatherwick as well as David Chipperfield, Jim Eyre from Wilkinson Eyre, Jerome Frost from Arup and London Eye lead structural engineer Jane Wernick.

Commenting on the search for design panel members beginning, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We want HS2 to be a world class railway and to achieve that we need excellent design. The HS2 Design Panel has a vital role to play and I encourage talented people from a wide range of disciplines to become members of the panel. Together we will make HS2 into something that can truly transform our country.”