The winning entry of the RIBA Design Competition has been announced, run in partnership between Network Rail, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Design Museum.
Entrants were tasked with creating a standardised, consistent and accessible clock design to significantly enhance the passenger experience, while reflecting the design and brand history of the railway, which marks its 200th year in 2025.
The winning entry, Rail Clock, is a new iconic British timepiece at London Bridge station, marking a landmark moment in British design and architecture. This is the railway’s first national clock design in over half a century; a statement of heritage, innovation, and accessible design. Created by WPP global brand design agency, Design Bridge and Partners, the physical and digital timepiece is designed to embody an iconic and ownable British aesthetic that celebrates the journeys and connections that are made every day across Britain’s railways.
The 1.8 metre timepiece takes inspiration from the timeless graphic symbol of the railway: the iconic double arrow logo, created by Gerry Barney in 1965. The double arrow motif is dynamically integrated into the clock face, with its two halves travelling in opposing directions, converging precisely every 30 seconds, representing the constant flow and convergence of journeys.
Additionally Design Bridge and Partners consulted with accessibility experts to ensure more people will be able to read the time and be presented with simpler and more legible digital content. The result is an accessible physical and digital clock that’s designed for everyone. At its heart, a bold 24-hour display features an updated iteration of the railway’s own typeface, Rail Alphabet Two, originally developed by Margaret Calvert and digitised by Henrik Kubel.
Following its unveiling at London Bridge Station, Rail Clock will progressively be integrated into Customer Information Screens (CIS) across the network, rolling out in various Network Rail-managed stations, transforming the visual landscape of British rail travel.
Chris Williamson, RIBA President said:
“We were thrilled to partner with Network Rail and The Design Museum on this exciting initiative. Architecture competitions are vital for driving innovation, new approaches to design and showcasing the vast talent within our industry and we look forward to seeing the winning entry come to life and become a central piece to our railways.”
Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy said:
“British ingenuity and passion are the foundations of the railway, from the very first passenger service 200 years ago to the millions of rail journeys now taken every day. This clock represents a bridge between the historic past and a new future for our railways — an integrated railway network that’s more reliable, consistent, efficient and accountable, thus delivering growth, jobs and homes. Good design, like this brilliant, clever timepiece, is a fundamental part of achieving this.”
Anthony Dewar, Professional Head Buildings and Architecture, Network Rail said:
“Two hundred years after the first railway opened in Britain, we’re about to embark on a new journey as a railway, putting passengers first. Part of that journey will be giving everyone the same positive experience across all parts of the network, and design is central to that.
“A clock is the first thing people look for when they arrive at a station. The railway is driven by time, being ‘on time’ is our promise to passengers, and clocks have always provided landmarks for people to meet at and use to navigate their way around stations. This design provides a proud and eye-catching centrepiece and acts as a brilliant reminder of the new journey we’re about to undertake together.”
Mark Wood, Creative Partner, Design Bridge and Partners, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have won the ‘Timepiece for the Railway’ competition. Our partnership with Network Rail, RIBA and t
he Design Museum has been highly collaborative, and seeing Rail Clock come to life is immensely rewarding. Our ambition was to create a new icon of British design that creates lasting impact, and we hope Rail Clock becomes the face of time across the railway for many years to come.”