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Visualising HS2, London

How do you bring a railway to life so that better decisions can be made about its future?

To do this we used advanced virtual and augmented reality technology to recreate exactly what HS2 will look like, what it will sound like and how it will operate long before it physically exists.

Imagining the future of rail

Using photo realism, virtual reality, augmented reality and sophisticated visual and aural representations of every aspect of the railway line, we were able to completely bring to life the route, the stations, the experience and the impact of the proposed line as part of the planning and consultation process. Creating a digital version of the future has helped everyone involved make better decisions about a major piece of infrastructure.

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Striving for accuracy

Every representation used to visualise the route was verified and, most importantly, peer reviewed. This means that those involved could trust that they were as accurate as possible.

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We combined our deep technical expertise in how every aspect of a railway line is designed and built with our knowledge of advanced digital visual and sound techniques.

We have been working with HS2 Ltd since 2009 and it is both exciting and a privilege to contribute to one of the world’s largest infrastructure projects. ” Colin Stewart Former Global Rail Leader, Arup

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This has set a new benchmark for how major projects can be brought to life.

Consultations with decision makers, communities and action groups were richer and more specific and the media were provided with footage that enabled the public to get a deeper understanding. Imagining the future has enabled everyone involved – from designers to policy makers – to make better decisions at every stage of the process.

Discover more of our work with HS2

Crewe HS2 Hub Masterplan

Crewe HS2 Hub Masterplan

The Crewe HS2 Hub Framework and Masterplan creates a framework for growth and comprehensive urban regeneration over the next 30 years. It prepares the town for HS2 and its associated development, generating a step-change in economic performance, identity and quality of life.

Read more about Crewe HS2 Hub Masterplan

HS2 Interchange Station

HS2 Interchange Station

The HS2 Interchange station, to be built in Solihull and the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in the West Midlands, will become a major transport gateway in the region. It is the first railway station globally to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification – a measure of sustainability for new and refurbished buildings.

Read more about HS2 Interchange Station

HS2 Route Engineering Studies

HS2 Route Engineering Studies

HS2 Ltd appointed Arup to develop proposals and to reach a decision on a preferred route for a new railway line taking into account environmental, social and economic assessments. We also assessed options for extending the line to cities to the North of Birmingham, using modelling to provide data for the operational assessments and business case.

Read more about HS2 Route Engineering Studies

HS2 SoundLab Demonstrations

HS2 SoundLab Demonstrations

Our state-of-the-art SoundLab allows people to hear what the new HS2 railway could sound like before being built. As part of the consultation stage, the sound demonstrations provide an insight into the impact of noise reduction measures along the proposed route using recordings that have been rigorously tested and reviewed.

Read more about HS2 SoundLab Demonstrations