Michelle Maliney Steen

When engaging with the site, the audience is captivated by the constant activity throughout, offering a sense of excitement and energy. In exploring the relationship that stems from the site, it becomes apparent that this state of variable movement and activity can be used to inform the design and can be seen as an asset if the design responds to this and exploits the energy throughout the site.

Each movement pattern and mode of movement varies in body and speed. These include the constant movement of pedestrians, cars, trains and buses. The emergence of transitional spaces where these various movements flow into each other are inspirational in the way that the space is constantly altered by its users (see figure 1). These events occur simultaneously with the arrival and departure of trains, buses and people travelling throughout the site and are emphasised by the organisation of void spaces and site lines. Another interesting occurrence, as seen captured in the concept image (See figure 2), is the way that objects seem to blur and deform at various speeds. As an object gains speed, it also gains transparency. In the concept image the figures on the opposite platform are visible beyond the speeding train. The train becomes a transparent layer, revealing the activity of the next space.

The design proposes an interconnected series of spaces where visibility is constantly maintained. This is achieved throughout the whole project by means of form, spaces, circulation and programme. The ‘S’ form of the building reflects back on itself allowing the entirety of the space to be constantly appreciated from every position, so its appearance evokes its experience (See figure 3). Part bridge, part building, part network, the form joins and connects all separate elements.

Figure 1: Transitional spaces in constant change and motion

Transitional spaces are made obvious through placement and sight lines.