Parallel assignment / Ideas competiton
2016
Client: Jernbaneverket
In collaboration with Arkitekt Atle Leira AS
Raumabanen is hailed both nationally and internationally, and is seen by many as the true manifestation of the proud Norwegian railway tradition. The combination of distinctive architecture, wild norwegian nature and advanced engineering projects ensures a very special travel experience.
The stations on the railway will undergo major development in the coming years - in order to strenghten the position of the railway as an important tourist attraction. We were asked to do a case study of Bjorli station - visualizing how this important hub on the railway can be developed into a worthy and functional starting point for a trip with one of the worlds most beautiful train rides.
The task was two create a station of the highest functional standard, but also one that is able to provide tourists and other visitors with a unique travel experience. The project aims to strengthen the position of the station as both end- and turningpoint for the historic trip up Romsdalen, and thus be the beginning of a revitalization of the entire stretch. Furthermore, our mission was to lift the rich history of both the station and Raumabanen as a whole into the light, while also focusing on how the standard of the village of Bjorli could be developed in terms of transparency, accessibility and attractiveness.
A reorganized traffic system (where the main road through the area is moved closer to the platform) provides an immediate and direct connection with the train, while at the same time reduzing the size of the area that has to be developed. This facilitates the establishment of a station that is perceived as intimate even when the number of users is limited. The project is stretched out longitudinally, along the platform, which ensures the achievement of another main objective; the inclusion of the important historical elements at both ends of the station in the whole. Activating the areas between the historical elements creates a a comprehensive and cohesive station, where visitors are invited to experience history as part of their travel experience.
The reuse of existing buildings has been important to the team, while the new architecture is given a limited scale so that the existing structures gets to play the lead role. At the same time it has been important that the new structures are developed with a uniqueness that makes them a worthy part of the station and off the railway as a whole.
Modelwork: Stud. Arch Andreas Juul Bergene & Stud. Arch Bjørnar Andersen
Lighting Concept: Light Bureau v/ Arve Olsen
Renders: Tegmark