ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Entrance and transferaccelerator Overvecht station in Utrecht, The Netherlands by HIK Ontwerpers Designed using AutoCAD and SketchUpSeptember 22nd, 2011 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: HIK Ontwerpers
Entrance and transferaccelerator Overvecht station, Utrecht Previous The entrance of the Overvecht station was built in 1985 together with the new station of Overvecht. Both architecture and landscapearchitecture where designed in one style. After years of heavy use the place hit the spot in decay and had required extensive maintenance and revision . Especially concrete rot made the place had a dilapidated appearance
Vision Not only had the place to be maintained, also the design was outdated. The area functions as a passage between two neighborhoods and forms the entrance to the railway. But this important public space wasn’t attractive at all: people felt uncomfortable and wanted to walk through the place as soon as possible. This was undesirable for all parties involved because the station is also an important entrance to the neighborhood Overvecht and thereby the showpiece of the place. The three HIK designers decided to add public functions and fun to make it a vibrant, representative place for the vulnerable area. Commuters and visitors should be happy to stay, have a talk, eat lunch and enjoy their time waiting for the train. They think that one of the best ways to encourage good behavior is to make it fun, and this newly revamped train station in Utrecht complete with a slide is a great example of that philosophy in action. Based in Overvecht, HIK Ontwerpers first presented the idea to ProRail, the government agency responsible for the maintenance and organization of the Dutch railway systems, as a way to give the station a more playful atmosphere and detract from the area’s less-than-stellar reputation. The design In response to the hard, stony character of the station, they have add a softer, organic layer. Inspired by Roman amphitheaters, which over the years have become overgrown, they made a modern variant with plant areas, benches and playful elements built over the existing stairs. The brainchild of HIK Ontwerpers, the Transfer Accelerator is a large slide that passengers can use as a faster and more fun alternative to the stairs leading down to the station’s entrance. This slide also attracts dozens of children with their parents who sit on the benches for a while and bring liveliness. The world premiere of a slide at a station has drawn international media attention. Tags: The Netherlands, Utrecht |