The importance of railway stations seemed to be forgotten with the development of private and public transportation system in modern society. Yet it has become important again due to the opening of the high-speed railways. Being able to connect cities...
The importance of railway stations seemed to be forgotten with the development of private and public transportation system in modern society. Yet it has become important again due to the opening of the high-speed railways. Being able to connect cities within a few hours, high-speed railway stations have become once again a space of everyday life for people.
However, the reality is that the railway stations in Seoul are simply recognized as a part of large commercial facilities such as shopping malls, rather than as a transition space linking towns and cities. In particular, Seoul High-speed Railway Station which expanded to a commercial complex makes it difficult for travelers to experience the process of entry to the station. In addition, its main entrance is placed far away from the old Seoul Station without any relationship despite its symbolism accumulated since its completion in 1925.
Meanwhile, the railway and the railway station on the ground level inevitably divide the urban area. Even though the Seoul High-speed Railway Station tried to connect the two areas divided by providing an outer street between complex buildings, people rarely use this space and it is normally occupied by homeless people.
This project proposes an alternative design if the Seoul High-speed Railway Station, while keeping the existing size of the commercial and parking facilities.
Firstly, this project introduces the concepts of ‘doorway (entrance area)' and ‘yard (interior courtyard)' in a figurative sense, which will be experienced continuously by users. The 'doorway' is designed as an extension of the old Seoul Station in order to share its historical and symbolic facade. This enhances the original meaning of the old station, which otherwise would remain as an independent heritage. Secondly, the concept of 'yard' is for the concourse - main function of railway station. The upper level of the platform would serve as a concourse with the maximum accessibility and as a linkage between the urban areas. A large atrium in the middle of the concourse allows diverse activities. The shopping facilities being placed on the upper level of the concourse are vertically separated from other functions, while allowing the exchange of views from different levels.
This concept of railway station will ultimately play a role as a transitional space and as a city gate.