What Association, България

Водещ архитект:
Жана Стоилова
Екип:
Анета Василева, Христо Говедаров

Synopsis

There are two main issues comprising the core of our proposal: easy and simple communication and an integrated transport system. The station is based simultaneously above- and underground and is signified by the two big concrete coverings above the sidewalks marked in two different bright colours. The prefabricated concrete construction is not custom, but factory-made, easy-to-find, (relatively) cheap and stylistically fits the socialistic residential complex Druzhba. The colouring fights communication errors and ironically reminds that the whole environment is newly-developed in 2011.

Situation and Programme

The Metro Station 20 is located in the middle of an empty field in a peripheral Sofia neighbourhood. Hence there is no need to make a complex 2-level underground station. We locate main station activities above the ground. Only the train platforms remain
underground which have direct access from the ground sidewalks by 2 escalators and a staircase (plus a lift for the handicapped) on each side. The level in between remains service and staff-only.

On the ground level, on each sidewalk, we place:
● bus station
● taxi station
● opportunity to pick up or drop somebody by car
● bicycle parking racks
● ticket-machines for metro and bus tickets
● vending machines for snacks, drinks, newspapers, etc
● escalators and stairs to the train platforms
● lift to the train platform
● info signs for train directions and information screens for the trains’
arrival/departure time
● a concrete covering over all facilities listed above.

On the underground level, there are:
● ticket-counters (for those who have not bought tickets from the ticket machine on
the ground)
● toilets
● technical- and staff-rooms
● a corridor (for staff only) connecting both sides of the train platforms

The ground recreation area we separate in four different zones, each of them dedicated
to one activity:
● strolling
● dog-walking
● sport running
● child-playing

Thus we deal with the separated plots available and create an exploded park for groups of people who all the same try to stay as far from each other as possible in the traditional parks.

Construction and Materials

Coverings and underground parts are constructed by precast concrete double-T panels, precast concrete double-T beams and columns. Also, double-T concrete panels are used for interior wall facing as decorative elements. Sidewalks and floors on the train platforms are covered by coloured concrete. A Case study: How to catch the train at Station 20

Departing

From the nearest residential buildings you arrive walking or by bicycle. From the distant ones you can take the bus. You do this every morning so you know that the train to the city centre (where you work) stops in the blue part. And the train to the Airport stops in the orange part. You cannot miss your direction since the concrete coverings are in orange and blue as are even the sidewalks. Also, apart from the instructional signboards, there are labels “Centre” and “Airport” stamped on the sidewalks so that first-time visitors (not familiar with the colour-coding) wouldn’t miss their direction. You have locked your bicycle to the bicycle rack. You buy a ticket from one of the ticket machines, then buy some snacks from the nearest machine and go down to the train
platform by the blue escalator. No way to miss the direction. Or you can wait for the train above the ground. There are info screens. Underground (sometimes you buy your ticket there at the ticket counter) you pass the control machines and you are on the train platform. Its walls are also painted in blue. You see the opposite one is in orange.

Arriving

In the evening, when you come back from work, you can’t miss your station. You see the orange stripped wall and you know this is your stop. You leave the train, go to the exit (there is only one exit so you can’t be confused), ride the escalator and you are on
the ground. You cross the street, unlock your bicycle (or catch your bus, or start walking) and go home.