SHoP
The Houston Central Station Competition called for an iconic landmark
station situated on the median strip on Main Street, between Capitol
and Rusk. Here are the proposals of five award winning firms:
The proposal designed by
ShoP Architects
references the form of traditional train stations: columns supporting
vaulted ceilings, lofted spaces that conjured images of grandeur, a
firmness and solidarity that resonated with its surroundings. The tent
like structure stretches beyond the platform, encompassing the
surrounding urban space, thus breaking free from the restrictive narrow
site. The 100 foot solar chimneys provide relief from heat, offer
natural ventilation, helping air circulation. The form of the chimneys
directs the rainwater so it wouldn’t disrupt the passenger flow.
Neil M. Denari Architects
offered a steel structure; the concept was derived from the prevalent
steel buildings of Houston, particularly Mies van der Rohe’s Museum of
Fine Arts. The use of color evokes the surrounding icons of art and
architecture, including sculptural works by Calder and even the George
R. Brown convention center a few blocks away. Structure, signage,
ticketing, lighting and seating are integrated and pertain to the single
unique design gesture.
Architects at
Lewis Tsurumaki Lewis
envisioned a box like shelter with minimal interventions that marks the
difference between the two directions served by the platform – the
upturned corners transform the box into a structure symbolizing the
anticipation of the arriving train. The structure is held in place by an
array of 2’’ steel rods, which tether the volume to central columns.
Steel is the primary material for the 9’’ vertical cladding strips, with
the interior backlit with LED’s to form a luminous lantern at night.
The fact that Houston has a large amount of annual rainfall was the backbone of
Snohetta’s
proposal. The design sought to incorporate the concept of water by
channeling rain down concrete spouts, thereby allowing users to interact
with and experience water. The elegant arching structure contains
within columns slices that direct the water to the drain pipes below.
The cut-outs also provide visual and lighting interest for those
awaiting the next train. Though visually engaging the interaction
between users and water might present some practical problems: the areas
of the platform where water is directed would have to be avoided,
causing congestion and removing valuable open space on an already narrow
platform.
Open Transfer, designed by
Interloop Architecture,
proposes a new formal threshold for Central Station. All movement
through the site including light rail customers on foot, light rail
vehicles and private vehicles pass through the threshold as they share
the transfer zone. Characterized by the “spider” column support at the
southern end of the platform canopy, the threshold allows egress from
the platform below to occur unobstructed. Perspective View from
Conductor’s Compartment: The spider column expands the space of the
platform and creates a public threshold for passengers of light rail,
public buses, and private automobiles to participate in the Open
Transfer experience.
SHoP
SHoP
Snøhetta
Snøhetta
Snøhetta
Neil M Denari
Neil M Denari
Interloop
Interloop
Lewis Tsurumaki Lewis
Lewis Tsurumaki Lewis
