Central Station by Woods Bagot in collaboration with John McAslan and Partners.
Central Station by Woods Bagot in collaboration with John McAslan and Partners.
For most, the daily commute is a necessary evil – time spent away from family with little productive output. So, it is even more important that we make public transport travel seamless, effortless, enjoyable and civic. Things take less time in our mind when the experience is positive. The New South Wales government’s investment into the public transport system is significant and should be applauded for its forward-thinking futureproofing outcomes for our communities – if we are to move towards a more sustainable future, it is essential that public transport captures more of our transport activity.
Central Station is the jewel of the NSW public transport network. Accommodating more people than any other transport interchange on the continent and being the nexus of heavy rail, suburban rail, intercity, light rail and bus, the injection of new subterranean metro services was never going to be easy, particularly when the architectural surgery required also included a suite of state-heritage-listed terminal buildings. The architectural team has made something incredibly complex look effortless while at the same time injecting newness and aspiration into the system. This is the benchmark for commuter transport – wayfinding has been simplified, connections have been made and interconnectedness has been facilitated. The original barrel-vaulted arrivals hall is one of the great spaces of Sydney; it is perfunctory and grand in the same breath – its modesty lends a simplicity and laissez-faire attitude to the experience. The new “hall” – a connected piece of roof that hovers between and above the various architectural histories of the site – deftly elevates the commuter experience by bringing light deep into the cavernous spaces, while concurrently sitting quietly enough not to overwhelm the original.
The architectural strategy and engineering solutions are fully integrated, with both supporting the efforts of the other to simplify the construction and elevate the experience. This is truly a world-leading transport interchange that establishes the next 100 years of Sydney public transport use, while establishing a framework for future amplifications.
Read Andrew Nimmo’s review of Central Station here .
The celebrated projects in this year’s awards are, according to the jury chair, “optimistic, with bright outlooks onto the future.”
Yitpi Yartapuultiku (The Soul of Port Adelaide) by Ashley Halliday Architects together with the Yitpi Yartapuultiku Aboriginal Working Group and Wax Design.
