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1. The design principles
In this section, we want to know your views on the key principles of the design.
3 minutes to complete
Network Rail has commissioned the 7N Architects team to design a new type of station for small and medium sites across Britain. Describing their approach, the architects say: "Our concept is designed to capture the identity of Network Rail in the 21st century as a progressive, sustainable mode of transport with a pivotal civic role in serving communities throughout the country."
In this section we explain the following key design principles:
1. Community-driven design2. Open and transparent spaces
3. Sustainable energy use
4. Kit-of-parts approach
5. Inclusive and accessible design
Community stations
A key ambition of the new design is to enhance the ways stations contribute to local communities. The design will do this by providing generous areas of forecourt for civic events and spaces for community activities to take place.
Image of 7N Architects' winning station design; courtesy of 7N Architects Please see the 'A place for the community' section to find out more about our plans for activating the station and to let us know what you think of them.
Open and transparent spaces
The design proposal brings a sense of lightness and openness to stations. It does this through a minimal structure, and security and fencing that allow sight and movement through the station into surrounding areas.
Image of 7N Architects' winning station design; courtesy of 7N Architects Environmental sustainability
The station will generate renewable energy to provide power for the stations. This will be done by integrating translucent photovoltaic panels into platform canopies.
Image of 7N Architects' winning station design; courtesy of 7N Architects
Please see the 'Climate change mitigation' section to find out more about the design’s sustainability measures and to tell us what you think.
Kit of Parts
The 7N Architects team has proposed a kit-of-parts approach, also referred to as 'modular design’. The kit can be applied in different configurations to suit stations of varying scale, different environments and diverse community needs. Flexibility is a key benefit of the approach. Another benefit is efficiency in manufacturing and construction, which leads to better value in terms of cost.
Please see the 'The kit of parts' section to read about the kit in more detail and to tell us what you think.
Large, medium and small station alternativesInclusive and accessible design
The design aims to create places that are welcoming, easy to navigate and meet the different needs of diverse user groups. You can read more about this in the 'Inclusion and accessibility' section.
Image of 7N Architects' winning station design; courtesy of 7N Architects This engagement phase has finished
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