LONDON BUS INTERCHANGE STATION COMPONENT ONE AUSTEJA GRABAUSKAITE
BRIEF
Entering the 21st century there was an increase in public transportation; buses, trains and ferries. There are advanced designs adapted to these transportation which the surrounding of it must match, i.e. the stations or stops. Also due to the increase of public transportation, there are more demands for renovations and creation of new stations. Transport for London (TFL) are in need of a new interchange station for commuters, that would create a safe and clear journey for them. However they have also branched out as they want a modern design with organic and natural elements within the pavilion. Due to lack of collective connection of different journeys; TFL wants a pavilion style interchange station, to connect long and short distanced journeys, also combine the aspects of fast pace movement of space to sit, snack and continue moving ‘on the go’. SPECIFICATION – BUS INTERCHANGE/STATION Multiple bus stops – with seating area – a modern twist with an organic form to the structure of the individual bus stops, all must be identical structures and function wise. A shelter with seating and access to the bus. • Information desks & Ticket till/top up – have an information help desk in regard of tickets and bus times • Snack bar/café – more than one, have a bit of seating area, quick cold and hot drinks/ sandwiches. Similar to a pop up store. • Shelter, enclosed waiting area – taking into consideration of the weather (hot or cold) have an indoor seating area to minimise the people around each bus stop. • -Bus garage/ bus parking – a separate part to the station (over night garage for the buses, and around it an outside parking space for the buses on break) • Exterior – a pavilion, half outdoor and half indoor, also having a natural based façade (having a link to the theme of organic form, more abstract approach to the structural base of the station) Theme wise; Movement and Flow – to link to a smooth course all throughout the station, having a clear structure to the pavilion.
Location: Victoria Station London Victoria Station is better known for the train aspect of transportation. TFL want to make travelling more convenient, they have chosen a station in where transport users will be able to change from trains to buses in less than 10 minutes. The current ‘station’ is the bus terminals, in which the bus routes end/begin. It can be used more efficiently and productively for everyday travel.
Brutalist Architecture The brutalist theme of architecture was very popular during the 1950’s to 1970’s. The choice of concrete was from the idea or a raw form; béton brut (raw concrete) by Le Corbusier. Brutalist architecture focuses on hard and rough material such as concrete. The designs vary in geometric and abstract layouts. In consideration of the material if it was glass for instance it would create a aesthetically pleasing façade, changing the atmosphere to the building instantly.
Alexandra Road, Camden, London
The National Theatre - London
Brutalist theme - abstract Using 6B pencils and pens, they create a rough effect. I liked the layered effects of cross-hatching and the pressed sketches, they created different tones within the sketch. Making darker and lighter tones. The best experiment came out as the pressed zipper, they illustrate an abstract tower. Whilst using over laying the design.
Modernist/movement and flow Spaces The modernist movement of architecture combines pleasing facades and what seems impractical structures. I chose these buildings as part of a modern theme, to use aspects from a more current environment of the 21 st century architecture. This could link very well to the concept within the interchange station as it combines current designs with practicality. I got inspiration from looking at the modern aesthetics which initiated different themes within movement and flow.
Health Department Building in Bilbao, Spain
Research CentreÂ
The Diamond, England
Modernist/movement and flow spaces - abstract Medium: bubbles and black ink Creating circular prints in various shapes similar to the bubble photo. I outlined the shapes to clarify the patterns. Also I used the print as a ‘roof’ façade for models. Using the print as a base to imitate a an open pavilion. I created two, very similar designs; model 1 is more of a traditional approach as it has the wire pieces imitating structural support and the print as a roof and model 2 is an angled pavilion. The idea of the print was for it to be transparent or domed shaped.
Model 1
Model 2
Ink bubbles
Natural/Organic These buildings are very modern, but with their design the movement and flow is very organic as its free and sleek. This gives more forms for the buildings to become. Based off the buildings I realised the inspiration for the design can be interpreted to many natural aspects and once I had sketched them out, I found forms from waves and honey combs to have a free and controlled type of flow, which reflects to the designs. Wave form: has inspired me to look into a larger form of movement and also which can be considered subtle.
Harbin opera house in China
'Ocean Nebula Hotel’ – New Zealand
Taichung City Cultural Centre
Secondary research Nature and organic theme work well to create a free form style. The inspiration I got from the natural and organic theme is to have a free flow to most images and I followed that through by recording the idea of ‘flow’ in different ways.
The pod pavilion This pavilion emerged from the idea of waves and having a subtle yet large movement to the design.
Pod inspired model
Pod Pavilion models and sketches Model one
Model one: The slanted version would allow more movement to a space as it imitates a motion rather than a stopped position, this could link very well to a bus interchange which has a lot of movement.
Model two: The straw imitated a shape and design form from a rib cage. This creates the illusion of a miniscule effect on a person if this would become the size of Stratford’s bus station. This also links to the them of organic to use our own bodily structures to mimic what is around us.
Model two
Primary images of natural components and modern theme
The pictures above is a response and an experiment with reflective card to see the different forms of the card and how with light it reacts to create a pattern. These images concentrated on the modern aspect, to look at a different aesthetic; i.e playing around with light and glass and the sleek designs around us in everyday objects.
Primary images of glasses with light shining through. The effect of light and shadows on glass.
Primary images of Stratford Bus Station
Further research on Stratford station
Part of research, the bus station in Stratford was a simple approach to an interchange idea. This was the closest aspect to the brief, the station is used for over 30 buses which go throughout the majority of London. It has a successful linking device that runs throughout the city which makes it convenient for people. Primary images of the bus station. The station is very open, it allows masses of people to go through it an also the bus’s have their own designated waiting spaces and changing places. This sketch shows the open aspect of the space, as it allows masses of people to go in many directions and that is an important feature to have; as there are many different stops. Also this can display the station in a very simplistic design as it is simplistic and convenient.
Folded model; The model is in a similar shape to the shelter aspect of the station. This shape if very useful as it protects people from the sun, rain and snow but does not ultimately protect them from the temperature. The design is simple and effective and it acts like a pavilion.
Vartahamnen terminal stockholm- Sweden
As a continuation for the idea of a bus interchange I went to a different facilitated interchange to see the difference of a bus and cruise interchange. C. F. Møller Architects, designed multi functional ferry station, equipped for citizens of Stockholm and the 4 million passengers annually. The cafÊ is one aspect from the ferry terminal, with a sleek position, which still allows functional access all throughout the terminal.
Vartahamnen terminal Stockholm– interior (café) The model imitates the focal feature from the café: the colourful fishing nets. The model uses the crossing effect but changes the movement of it to a dome shape. It also changes the design of the Stratford bus station model.
The interior is very spacious as it allows arrivals and check ins in the same hall. It is separated by facilities such as toilets and information desks to create the illusion of two sections to the port. Also the interior aspect includes a café/ restaurant to give passengers a place to wait and rest before their journey. This café also reflected the theme of the docks, and what is associated with it (fishing and sailing), and created a closed off space where the rush is eliminated. Also Stockholm as a city is a compilation of islands and the water and boats is a recurring ‘theme’ due to it being a common transportation.
Pod and mirror card inspired model – sketchup model From the physical model – Pod pavilion inspired – there are components that I kept ie the dome shape. The sketchup model recreates the model to a more realistic format, the spaces are minimal, however they could be more spaced out to allow pathways through, so I imagine the scale to the person to be much larger as from the model the first arc is about room height compared to the model person.
SketchUp model and Mirror card model I like the components that keeps this idea to a rib cage layout to link to the theme of organic. The card model doesn’t have a facade as it is focused onto the Interior aesthetic to have a glass or other clear materials to mimic this ‘invisible’ shelter, in order to create a miniscule impression for a person.
Sketchup model This model was inspired by variously shaped bubbles and also the old Stratford centre faรงade as these both ideas created a floating and smooth movement of shapes. The sketchup programme limited the dome shape to the design, however the main idea of the design of the pavilion is clear to have this cloud over the commuters head (in large and small sizes). This idea is easily linked to organic and modern themes as they are different to typical sleek designs and clean facades. In terms with the scale of this design, it would be higher up and the design would cover more surface area, and end off with a spherical cover.
Interior aspects – 100% Design (primary images) Primary images from the 100% Design show. I looked at most interior aspects; seating and greenery, and how they can be adapted to social seating areas. Greenery; was mainly used as walls, as dividers, adding more sections to the space as well as having a ‘urban esque’ atmosphere. With my research of nature, it can be incorporated on the interior design to contrast the modern/aesthetical façade of the exterior. Seating; seating was explored in many ways, in style of embedded in to walls, booths and attraction style seating. To provide different accommodation according to the space. For private business meetings or café locations of open area seating.
Sketches from 100% Design
100% Design sketches and models My favourite pieces of this show was the lighting pieces, as there were many unique designs and thought out productions. The lamp shade is presented in different positions, presenting the versatile design aspect of the design. This design imitates a Station-like building and a layering effect of how it can be adapted in different positions.
100% Design sketches and models Following the light shades design I looked at the structure behind them, following the outline of the structure and layering them. And the model showing the different cut outs of the structure becoming a 3D model, presenting different lights with different cut out forms.
Refinement models from 100% design
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion This pavilion uses sustainable resources, creating solar energy whilst being used. Especially due to its location the days are long and has more hours of sun light throughout the day. It hasn’t been built yet, it is a future project in Dubai for 2020. However it combines resourceful renewable energy sources, and adds a lot of greenery to maximise a green space. This pavilion design is unique as it uses aesthetic and sustainability to serve a useful function for the better of the Earth. I like this design for its environmental conscience, and also its aesthetical purpose. This is a proposed project by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw Architects office. With influence from the Eden Project in Cornwall, it has similar themes.
Proposed location; Dubai
CAD drawings of the project. Predicted to be built for 2020.
Combining model ideas
Café in 180 The Strand, LONDON From the art gallery: 180 The Strand Mid-way between the display halls, there is a café/ gift shop, it has a different tone in comparison to the gallery, creating a busy and cosy space for lunch or break. The main theme across the café is nature from the main use of greenery to and vegetable decorations amongst the tables. It could be perceived as an ‘escape’ from its location it overlooks the London buildings and streets. Also because of its size it makes you as a person feel smaller whilst you over look the busy city. This style of café is easy to submerge in different locations; as its function is to act as an escape from the rush, to block the fast pace of London. I liked the atmosphere of the café as it tied the gallery together by having more colour on the walls and more busy style. I thought this could work along with an interchange station as it could work as a ‘break’ space for waiting and eating. Also the theme of nature would contrast to the modern styled pavilion, emerging more life to the city.
Inside the studio – 180 the Strand
CafĂŠ in 180 The Strand, LONDON + Stratford bus Station, LONDON I looked at the existing locations of 180 Strand gallery and also Stratford station. I re-drew and planned out the floor plans of minimal and maximum space and how its used effectively. 180 Strand: CafĂŠ is a small area of the gallery which uses its space effectively to the fullest potential, allowing many customers at once to be seated. Stratford Station: This a pavilion styled station which has a spaced out and comfortably accessed location/ function. Both interestingly spaced out locations, they work well for busy locations and easy for public access and use.
Cafe floor plan
Stratford Station floor plan
Triangle form model refinement response
Model refinement sketches
Pavilion model refined
I liked this design of layered triangles, although I want to try out a pyramid like style to make it less 2D. I think with a middle small piece to be used as a help desk.
City of London information centre – Sid Lee Architects
City of London, have created a centre in which tourists who are visiting London perhaps for their first time can get help on what sights to see across London. The design of this centre is bold and modern it sticks out from the traditional and new aesthetics of London; as it is a lower height. In contradiction to the façade of the building, it also passes as a sculpture piece; and could probably be over looked and stay camouflaged. That does make it unique in the sense of its location; as it is situated outside St Pauls Cathedral. These are some broken down structure understanding sketches of the 3D aspect to a 2D/ elevation view. And also the composure of the building.
I like the function that it plays out as it works amongst the needs of the city, guiding tourists through London. It is a useful aspect to London, to have these centres available for foreign or London tourists. Allowing people to get more used to the rush of London, without getting lost. This can be adapted to a Station as it can provide information about train or bus availability whether it is running or not. It could help with the flow of everyday routines of going to work or school. As part of a pavilion style station, an information centre would be essential. As it would provide easy public access for transport information. It would also play as the ‘heart’ of the station where the rush would be based mostly in. it would also be more convenient as the pavilion would do its job of having the bus stations and sheltered aspects, the centre would add a minimal effect onto the station allowing it to be more self-efficient.
Information centre model
These drawings are from the London information centre, that I could adapt to my design of an interchange. I like the idea of a geometric style, imitating a 3D fold similar to origami.
Starter of ArchiCAD model
ArchiCAD MODEL
I made an ArchiCAD model to experiment with the structures and angles of the roof design and how it communicates with the supporting beams. This lead me to look at how the triangle structures can rotate.
Final Model
The model worked well in communicating as bus interchange station. It had the necessities of the station coming together. I liked the aesthetics that it had; the white and grey theme carried through out the model. Although the scale is a bit wrong, I experimented with the design aspect of the roof; to see how the angles would work as well as how the plastic and paper would look together. The additional buildings were very abstract in this version, as I wanted to draw more attention to the actual station, but they also give the main idea of the placement and how it corresponds to the space. If I had dedicated my time on this model, I would have played around with the presentation; the hot glue especially, as it is very visible against the wire. As well as structure wise, it was very weak, and it did fall because of the lack of support.
Final Model
Overall, design wise, I liked the model and how it turned out. However, there were components in which need to be revised; as the glue dried very visibly and stuck out within the design. Perhaps I should find another method of putting the model together. Also the structure of the model was very weak and lead to the model falling apart. I don’t think the additional models worked well, they distracted the model more from the scale along with the scale of the people.
a refined model, a new solution from the previous model
I really liked the triangular theme of the model, but the previous method made the model very bulky. This solution minimizes the glue needed, and the metal fits better along with the scale.
Final model
Final model
For the layout, I used the Stratford Bus station as inspiration to keep it simple, so I added 6 individual bus stops to separate the space and that represents the layout better in terms of showing where the path ways are.
Interior aspects of the model
Close ups of the model with scale
Evaluation Throughout the project there was a under tone theme of triangular forms, and as a whole they help develop movement to the space, almost reflecting the idea of London Transport. Also, I was inspired my architects like Sid Lee Architects, to create asymmetric geometrical forms to work together and create aesthetical buildings. The inspiration I had for the station came from the layout of the Stratford Bus Station, where the bus stops are divided from a rectangular formed station. I thought it could fit in with the designated location too, Victoria Station, as it would not heavily stand out. With the minimalistic approach, it does not overcomplicate the function either, as the pavilion styled bus station has everything open for public use, especially from the TFL specification which consistently inspired me to not overcomplicate the station. For my final model I wanted it to visually represent a bus station; for which it would serve the function for the individual bus stops. I added six to show an evenly spaced out station. I also chose to do a series of shelters, pavilion style, to extend the station to a more practical version. Also the pavilion styled station; made me look into how I could develop the exterior to a more practical sense, as it created the overlapped faรงade of the building, what I initially planned with the first solution. For the material; I wanted to use a clear material like glass, but the frosted acrylic and white card worked to show the aesthetical value of the station. I thought that the thinner wire would work better to support the card, however, the card is too heavy for some of the wires, so it does fall in a bit. If I were to do it again I would try and use the thicker wire for the support panels and use the thinner wire for the under-roof support, as they create a minimal aesthetic to the building. I think it would highlight the building better too. The individual bus stops were made with the frosted acrylic, which I think made a good representation of a glass panel. Overall, I like the way the model turned out, as a proposal for the Victoria Bus Station. It works well with the demand for public transport, as it has a simple and minimalistic design.