Kings cross is one of the busiest transport interchanges in the country.
Around 47 million people use the station every year and forecasters predict that this number will rise by 10 million with the next decade. We needed a station that aligns with the 21st century and can meet passengers demand, while honouring the station’s victorian history.
Kings cross station in 1852.
The new concourse is the first phase to redevelop kings cross station. The second and final phase completes in the autumn of 2013. This is what it’s going to look like, with a new public square that will be larger than london’s leicester square.
The original front of the station will be exposed for the first time in years, revealing the careful restoration of the station’s victorian features alongside the new development.
For now, let’s take a look at this first completed phase of this fantastic world class station. The semi-circular vaulted concourse, designed by british architects john mcaslan + partners is incredible. The steel structure envelops the space around it with it’s criss-cross pattern. It’s made out of 16 steel tree form columns that radiate from a tapered central funnel.
Eating places and shops are on offer on the ground floor and mezzanine. The whole place was buzzing when i was there taking pictures.
Here are some photos of platforms 6 & 7.
I was interested in some of the detail structures and how they form really interesting pattern shapes.
This ambitious project, which involved re-use, restoration and new build will become a new gateway to the city, just in time for the 2012 olympics.
What struck me most, except for the beauty and inspiring architecture was the enthusiasm and excitement of the staff within the different areas of the station. Speaking to some of them i discovered that they were happy about the greatly improved working conditions. Everyone was smiling and in a good mood.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: ‘good design can change our world’. It makes for better products, better services, brings joy and therefore enhances our daily lifestyle.
How do you feel about good design can change our world? Any examples or anecdotes?