Acclaimed Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima has designed a nearly invisible train to begin operations in Tokyo in 2018.

The commuter train – which was designed to commemorate Seibu Group’s 100th anniversary – uses semi-reflective and semi-transparent material to blend into the scenery.

According to a report by Architectural Digest, the train’s concept shows an exterior with a silvery metallic appearance designed to reflect the passing landscape. As such, the train will look to almost disappear into any environment it’s in, even when not moving.

“The limited express travels in a variety of different sceneries, from the mountains of Chichibu to the middle of Tokyo, and I thought it would be good if the train could gently co-exist with this variety of scenery,” Sejima said in a press release.

The “invisible” trains are slated to start operating in 2018 on a limited number of express routes connecting Tokyo to regions in central Japan.

Sejima – along with her partner Ryue Nishizawa – was awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2010, the highest accolade in the world of architecture. Among Sejima’s and Nishizawa’s notable works include the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, the Serpentine Pavilion in London, and The Louvre-Lens in Paris.

Source: travelwireasia.com