Archipals: urban infrastructure

Sunday, September 8, 2013

“The weatherproof, articulated filigree vaulted roof-scape is a respectful yet dynamic interpretation and contextual response to the history, function and location of this very special place in the heart of Melbourne.” Ascan Mergenthaler, Herzog & de Meuron

HASSAL + Herzog de Meuron’s winning design for the $1 million redevelopment of the historic Flinders Street Station in Melbourne, transforms the station into a modern 21^st century transport hub with new cultural and public functions. Emphasising the site’s predominant civic nature, their design incorporates a major public art gallery, a public plaza, an amphitheatre, marketplace and exhibition space for arts and cultural festivals. The design seeks to strengthen and build connections throughout the station precinct, providing dynamic and engaging pedestrian laneways which encourage audience interaction and attract people to the site. Rather than only focusing on its commercial use, an emphasis is placed on making the station a destination in its own right, interweaving public orientated attractions into the existing historic fabric. The built form pays tribute to the original19th century design seeking to provide distinct spatial environments for each passenger whilst maintaining the elegant grandeur of its main street frontages. The distinct vaulted canopy displays beauty in a modern expression which can be experienced both in scale and volume, but also maintaining a humble warm ambience, dispersing dappled natural light.

References and Image Credits

1. Hassel. “HASSELL + Herzog & de Meuron win Flinders Street Station competition” Last modified August 8, 2013. http://www.hassellstudio.com/en/cms-news/hassell-herzog-de-meuron-win-flinders-street-station-competition

2. Major Projects Victoria. “Flinders Street Station Design Competition Winner” Last modified 2013. http://vote.majorprojects.vic.gov.au/entrant/hassell-herzog-de-meuron

Monday, August 26, 2013

“Our proposal is designed to remain perpetually unfinished, sustaining emergent growth and change over time.”

The High Line by James Corner Field Operation and Diller Scofidio + Renfro is the inspiring redevelopment of an abandoned elevated freight railway, 1.45miles long in length, spanning 22 city blocks through the west side of Manhattan. This seamless amalgamation of nature and urban infrastructure create a unique public space bursting with life, growth and activity. Nature has reclaimed this post-industrial structure without destroying the rustic character of the railway. In the bustle and hustle of city life, a place where one can pause and linger, where distraction is appreciated. With the pathway often splitting and converging, weaving through the lush vegetation and leading to nondescript semi-private areas, it allows the public to meander to their will. This linear pedestrian walkway is a mass of contrasts, movement and stillness, organic and built, which succeed at providing a reinterpretation of what city spaces are capable of.