A Subtle Upgrade in Urban Furniture Is Transforming Shanghai Railway Station

Recently, passengers traveling through Shanghai Railway Station may have quietly noticed a series of changes. The waiting environment feels more comfortable and considerate, wayfinding has become clearer and more intuitive, and the overall sense of order and safety within the station continues to improve. These refinements are not accidental, but the result of a deliberate and systematic upgrade.

This transformation comes from a recent urban furniture micro-upgrade project implemented by ZEMSO at Shanghai Railway Station. Focusing on public spaces with high usage frequency and long-term operation, ZEMSO introduced three key facility types—smart wayfinding kiosks, solar bench, and Police Service Kiosk—to comprehensively optimize public services across the station. All of these facilities have now been officially put into use.

In a railway station, the most common challenge is not deciding where to go, but understanding how to get there. In the past, navigation relied either on outdated interactive devices with slow response times or on basic static signboards that provided limited information. ZEMSO’s smart wayfinding kiosks present information in a clearer and more intuitive manner, making complex circulation routes and functional zones easy to understand at a glance. By reducing repeated inquiries and unnecessary walking, they help passengers move through the station more efficiently—an improvement that is particularly valuable during peak travel periods.

In high-density passenger environments, seating is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in user experience. Prior to the upgrade, the station mainly used standard steel-structure benches with limited functionality. Their hollow design offered little protection from wind, making them uncomfortable during colder seasons. ZEMSO’s solar bench focuses on practical use rather than visual novelty. With a clean, minimalist design, integrated heating, and USB charging, these seats make short breaks more comfortable while contributing to a more orderly and user-friendly public space.

Public safety facilities also required attention. Traditional police service kiosk, exposed to outdoor conditions over long periods, often suffer from corrosion and aging, affecting both usability and the overall station environment. The police service kiosk developed by ZEMSO are designed to meet the operational needs of major transportation hubs, providing a stable and efficient workspace for law enforcement and public service personnel. As a result, on-site management and emergency response capabilities are further strengthened.

Shanghai Railway Station serves as both a gateway to the city and a concentrated reflection of its public service standards. Through products that are already integrated into daily use, ZEMSO aims to ensure that smart city solutions move beyond conceptual discussions and become part of every journey, every clear direction, and every moment of protection. Looking ahead, ZEMSO will continue to focus on urban public spaces, delivering practical, demand-oriented products and solutions that drive city services toward a future that is smarter, more efficient, and more human-centered.