PROJECT: Jiaxing Train Station, Jiaxing, China; ARCHITECTS: MAD Architects
As the urbanization of China in recent years has recently developed, so too has the hardware and technology development related to transportation infrastructure. The corresponding transportation facilities buildings, such as railway stations and new airports, however, have not improved their spatial and architectural qualities at the same rate. Train stations have instead grown far beyond the human scale, standing like imposing palaces in Chinese city centers surrounded by wide main roads, viaducts, and vast empty squares.
In response to this common trend, MAD founding partner Ma Yansong advised that “we should rethink and redefine the spatial patterns of such transportation infrastructure buildings in China. We can break away from the common pursuit of grandiose monumental buildings and make them urban public spaces with transport functions, natural ecology and cultural life, where citizens are happy to go, stay, meet, and enjoy.”
A new sunken train station designed with a human scale
Jiaxing Train Station was first built in 1907 and was destroyed over half a century ago. The station that was constructed in 1995 to replace the original station had an area of only 4,000 square meters and was equipped with outdated passenger facilities unsuitable for a rapidly expanding city.
MAD’s design breaks away from the usual pursuit of monumental transportation structures with a full-scale recreation of the original 1907 station, as well as a “floating” metal roof lofted above the expanded site equipped with solar panels that power the station.
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Architecture + Design.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Architecture + Design.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PARTNERS IN DESIGN: STRIKING THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE- WITH PRIYANKA KHANNA AND RUDRAKSH CHARAN
In the buzzing world of design and construction, the duo of Priyanka Khanna and Rudraksh Charan emerges like a blockbuster script waiting to be told.
THE NEW FACE OF ARCHITECTURE: THE ADVENT OF TECHNOLOGY- WITH VIVEK GUPTA & MANISH GULATI
Technology has revolutionised the world of design and architecture.
URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE IN INDIA: CHALLENGES.IMPACT.SOLUTIONS- WITH SONALI RASTOGI AND GOONMEET SINGH CHAUHAN
India is at the cusp of rapid urbanisation. According to studies, by 2030, India’s urban population will reach 600 million people.
DESIGNING HERSTORY: WOMEN SHAPING THE DESIGN WORLD - WITH APARNA KAUSHIK AND MITU MATHUR
Throughout history, women have made invaluable contributions to the world of architecture and interior design.
50 ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN AN INDIAN JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURE TOP FIFTY
\"Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light.\" - Le Corbusier. These pearls of wisdom emphasise architecture as an intellectual pursuit that requires extensive learning and adherence to specific principles, while also allowing for creative magnificence. In celebration of our 41st anniversary, Architecture+Design is proud to present the top 50 architects in India who have navigated this labyrinth, emerging victorious with exceptional work that has redefined the nation's architectural landscape. Through a comprehensive evaluation of their recent projects, accolades, and industry impact, we have curated a collection of India's brightest architectural minds. These firms and individuals have been recognised for their unwavering commitment to excellence, garnering accolades that underscore their mastery of form, function, and aesthetics. Whether reimagining urban cityscapes or crafting sustainable sanctuaries amidst natural wonders, the architects featured in this list have left an indelible mark on the built environment. Join us as we celebrate their groundbreaking achievements and explore the culmination of their visionary brilliance.
A SECRET LAIR
A resort nestled in the wilderness of Jim Corbett, ZANA draws inspiration from an English country house
AN ICONIC TUNNEL GETS A LIGHT MAKEOVER
Signify’s intervention with the 2nd Street Tunnel in Los Angeles is a study in architectural lighting solutions
Balancing Sustainability and Comfort: The Art of Upkeeping Sustainable Homes
Building a sustainable home is not just a trendy choice but a responsible and essential step towards a greener and more eco-conscious future. Here’s how to build a sustainable home.
ELEVATE YOUR HOME
Promising safety, technology and luxury; Elite Elevators is at the forefront of revolutionising the home elevator industry
TEJAL PATNI
Engaging in a free-wheeling chat about the not-so-bizarre world of his rather well-paved journey, Patni gives us a peek into his creative mind and the diverse influences that have shaped his artistic vision, right after the resounding success of his debut show, Vichitra