Kings Cross Station's Renovation

Kings Cross railway station is located in central London and is a major terminal that opened in 1852. Today it’s renovation that has taken five years and cost them 500 pounds, that consists of absolute beautiful architecture throughout the new departures area, is nearly done. Network Rail has added this outstanding roof made of white steel, while having restored and persevered the Victorian facades. The structure spans 150m without a visible bolt throughout the whole structure. This roof has no supporting structures allowing moment under the roof to be free and flowing for the 47 million passengers that pass through the terminal each year. They have also thought about the passengers by adding a second floor where you are able to relax in cafes and shops. The architects Hiro Aso who partnered in the project with John McAslan submitted their winning design is the late 1990’s. Hiro Aso shared  "It leaps, it's glorious, organic - a very bold expression of the overlay of new and old. We could have been a bit more apologetic, or subordinate, but this is an absolutely amazing structure." The five-year project has allowed them to build this structure without canceling one train to produce this masterpiece.

 

      This article really stood out to me because of my want to become a future architect. The design of the new roof, at this historic train station is something abnormal that is easily enjoyed. The architects thought about the movement of the mass amount of people that come through the station as well as giving them a place to relax and wait. The idea of a roof the supports it self over a 150m span and look magnificent comes through experience. Another thing that really stood out to me in this article is the ability to mix something so modern, with something old and not make a mess of it. This is the type of building/structure that I would like to be the architect of one day.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/mar/14/five-year-redevelopment-kings-cross-station


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