Action Stations

Building for a sustainable future goes beyond low energy design. Action Stations incorporate local amenities, showcase and support local enterprise and communities, and make travel by train, bike and foot the most attractive option. Modular, multi-functional, sustainable and adaptable, the local station becomes a hub of daily activity – a driver and enabler of sustainable communities.

Our kit of parts is a new type of ‘pattern book’ celebrating the design language of the British railway while looking to the future. The clocktower – a new local landmark – signposts the station entrance (critical for those in a rush!) and the solid plinth incorporates seating, shelter and services. Around this each station’s unique combination of elements and finishes are arranged; selected by local communities and able to change over time. Satellite modules designed to fit in a car parking space offer additional facilities to new and existing stations.

Modular elements and offsite construction keep installation time, costs and service disruption to a minimum. The reduced carbon GBBS concrete  plinth, clocktower and colonnade are designed to last, and along with the timber-framed modules can be re-used elsewhere. Timber, tiles or fibre cement cladding will be chosen to reflect local traditions.

Modularity extends to the engagement strategy: a pattern book of starting points, materials, colour palettes and patterns to structure co-design sessions. Each station’s modules will be selected by its community, and modified to meet their needs. Sessions will be led by the design team or run independently by local groups.

Materials, colours, and patterns drawn from the local area ensure each station complements its context. Traditional railway ‘dagger boards’, for example, will be redesigned to give each station a unique character. At existing stations, elements will be incorporated to align with the new design language. Each building will optimise daylight and natural ventilation and will use ground-source heat and/or solar energy as appropriate to context and orientation. The result will be vibrant interchanges designed by and for the community: a new stage in the heritage of railway design.

Competition entry in collaboration with engineers, Bailiss and Company.