Have you ever wondered why the seats on buses and trains are adorned with such eccentric and eye-catching designs? Those zany, vibrant patterns that often appear asymmetric and chaotic might seem like a curious choice for public transportation seating.
As it turns out, there’s a compelling reason behind these peculiar choices, and it’s all about concealing stains.
Functionality in Patterns
Public transport seats worldwide display a diverse array of fabric patterns, each serving specific purposes. Some patterns indicate the seats reserved for passengers with special needs, like the elderly, pregnant women, injured individuals, or those with disabilities. Others simply remind passengers of their location, as seen in Moscow’s distinctive designs.
Hiding Stains with Style
The daily commute can take a toll on fabric, with numerous passengers, occasional spills, and unexpected messes. This is where those quirky, busy patterns come into play.
Just as you wouldn’t choose to wear a crisp white shirt while indulging in a saucy meal, minimalist seat designs are impractical for public transportation. In essence, these bold patterns make it challenging to spot stains and wear, helping maintain a cleaner appearance.
The Versatile Moquette Fabric
The fabric used for public transport seats isn’t your typical upholstery material. Known as “moquette,” it has a history spanning over a century and serves a dual purpose. Moquette, originating from the French word for carpet, is primarily composed of 85% wool and 15% nylon.
Its selection is based on its durability and ability to disguise signs of dirt and wear effectively. Furthermore, moquette is cost-effective and easy to mass-produce.
Seat Fabrics that Marry Form and Function
Next time you find yourself surrounded by the seemingly manic colors, geometric shapes, and rugged surfaces of public transport seating, take a moment to appreciate the thoughtful design behind them.
These patterns aren’t just there to catch your eye; they serve the practical purpose of keeping seats looking clean and presentable amidst the daily chaos of commuting. So, while you may not want to examine them too closely, there’s more to those peculiar seat fabrics than meets the eye.
