Oral history; Interview with Paul Marchant, 2017
Main details
| Reference number | 2017/5624 |
|---|---|
| Description | Paul Marchant discusses commissioning and designing moquette as part of his role as Product Design Manager at TfL. |
| Interviewee | Paul Marchant |
| Dates | 13/06/2017 |
| Collection | |
| Object type |
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| Topics | |
| Completeness | 100% |
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Physical description
Item content Attribute Value Object title Oral history interview with Paul Marchant, 2017 -
Interview summary
Track 1 of 1 [01.16.01] Paul Marchant [PM] was born on 20 June 1963 in Colchester, Essex. He talks about his childhood, parents’ professions and education. [00.02.21]. PM discusses working with TfL for 12 years, designing and managing the aesthetic side to transportation [00.03.00]. He explains his role as Product Design Manager and what the aims of design are [00.04.53]. PM explains how his role has changed and describes his recent projects, including the Olympics, Crossrail and replacing existing underground cars [00.06.36]. PM explains what the product design department does and its design aims [00.08.16]. PM explains what a brief is and how it works. He explains the importance of dialogue between designers and engineers and describes the process of issuing a brief [00.12.52]. PM talks about current projects, including the new tube for London, illuminated poster frames and Crossrail [00.15.47]. He explains he enjoys improving older products. He describes being excited by complex projects and smaller projects and why they excite him [00.18.43]. PM explains how he works with external suppliers, such as Bombardier [00.19.47]. PM details the challenges of bigger projects, such as the Last Mile project, creating signage for the Olympics’ audiences [00.22.56]. PM lists the transport his team designs for. He explains his work with bus franchises. He describes his work with Underground and Overground trains, including the competition won by the Landmark moquette designed by Wallace Sewell [00.28.18]. PM describes the origins of the Landmark moquette competition. He describes the characteristics and advantages of moquette fabric. He explains the competition arose as a solution to refurbishment inconsistencies. He talks about creating a brief, receiving competition entries and explains moquette requires a specific type of design [00.31.20]. PM talks about the design process, including creating a pattern tile, manufacturing a sample and creating a photo montage [00.33.06]. PM explains the process of creating a new moquette design. He explains how colours are chosen and the importance of interpretation and compromise when finalising a design. He talks about producing samples and the process of improving on initial designs [00.37.49]. PM reiterates the importance engaging with a variety of people while designing. He explains who the client for a design might be [00.40.12]. PM explains that the regularity of commissions depends on investment. He talks about aiming to increase reliability and explains that train interiors have a part to play in improving services [00.42.12]. PM describes the difference between commissioning and designing moquette and how these processes differ for each project. He talks about the uniqueness of the London design being achieved through detail [00.45.33]. PM explains the regulations for grab holds, including their light reflective value specification. He explains light reflective specifications [00.47.19]. PM describes how a colour palette is decided on and how colours convey a message [00.50.34]. PM explains the design process’ focus on continuity and why heritage should not dominate [00.52.05]. PM explains moquette is influenced by the client and the mode of transport. He explains the royal influences on the Elizabeth Line [00.53.55]. PM talks about how design affects cleaning and graffiti [00.55.05]. PM talks about considering overall appearance and overall aims when designing [00.56.51]. PM reflects on the evolution of decision making processes [00.58.02]. PM explains how TfL ultimately decide on a design. He explains their role is to lobby and explain how things work. He says design conveys a message [00.59.45]. PM explains how his team works with moquette manufacturers, such as Camira Fabrics [01.02.24]. PM recounts how moquette is manufactured [01.03.19]. PM reflects on seeing designs he has been involved in in use. He describes seeing his role as a ‘midwife’ role and the importance of empathy and teamwork [01.07.04]. PM explains he thinks moquette’s popularity comes from its London identity and people’s personal nostalgia [01.09.30]. PM talks about moquette being important for corporate identity and for conveying a message to users [1.10.18]. PM explains his favourite design is always the next one and describes his fondness for the Landmark moquette and priority seat designs [1.12.14]. PM explains the difference between external and internal designers [1.12.58]. PM talks about being inspired by the future and by other people [01.14.06]. PM talks about the future for moquette, the new tube for London and finding new ways to improve current designs. End of track [01.16.01] -
People involved
Role Person(s) involved Interviewer Elizabeth Clark, 13/06/2017Interviewee Paul Marchant -
Associated companies, people and places
Places Interview location TfL Creative Studio, 13/06/2017People Attribute Value People Fernando Solis - 13/06/2017