Beijing South Station, Beijing, China
Winner: TFP Farrells Ltd.
Award: Merit Award for Architecture

Completed in August 2008, this fully integrated multi-modal transportation hub serves as a “Gateway” to the capital and a vital link in China’s new high-speed intercity network. A major urban building and masterplan, it is one of the largest contemporary railway stations in the world designed for a passenger turnover of 105-million annually. To accommodate these vast numbers a new model in railway station design was developed, integrating the multi-modal transport interchange facility with a vertical separation strategy designed to make passenger traffic flows direct, convenient and highly efficient.

The station is an important and enduring public building that enhances and informs the city fabric with a simple contemporary, unique, unifying form that provides the station with an innovative architectural solution to the complex functional and contextual requirements of the site; and acts as a catalyst for new local development.

A pilot project for building-integrated photovoltaics in China, the large oval dome shaped roof covers the entire length of the platforms, to protect the station from the elements—sand storms, cold harsh winters and extreme summer temperatures— and to moderate the indoor climate. To achieve unobstructed concourses, a catenary roof was designed that allows for large spans resulting in airy spaces, generous ambient light and openness that reduces over-crowding and improves wayfinding. Environmental elements include natural cross-ventilation to reduce the cooling loads and air-binnacles, to cool the Departure Level and enhance passenger comfort. The design is a modern interpretation of the up-turned hip roofs, inspired by the Temple of Heaven.

See Powerpoint (pdf)

BACK