The RIBA has launched a major contest to rethink the future of small to medium-sized stations across the Network Rail estate [Deadline: 15 September 2020]
The three-stage competition invites architects, engineers and designers to draw up a range of solutions to ensure local stations – which vary in quality across Great Britain – better serve the needs of both passengers and their local communities while also supporting net zero sustainability targets and delivering outstanding value.
The contest follows the publication of a Think Station report compiled by the Design Council through a series of industry workshops outlining a fresh approach to the design, development and procurement of local stations. Network Rail manages around 2,000 small to medium-sized local stations across England, Wales and Scotland – representing 80 per cent of its overall portfolio.
” Our ambition is to raise the quality of design across the whole rail network as well as responding to the evolving role of infrastructure within communities. ”
A. Dewar, Head of Buildings & Architecture, Network Rail
” This competition will help build the railway of tomorrow, ensuring we continue to modernise and improve our railway, making it welcoming and accessible for all passengers. ”
C. Heaton-Harris, Rail Minister
There are more than 2,000 small to medium-sized stations across Britain, varying greatly in their design quality and amenities. By improving the overall quality of stations, they can better serve their communities, whilst accommodating potential enhancements to the existing and future passenger experience through good design.
Designs should be considered for the adaptation of existing stations to better meet passenger requirements, or newly built stations to accommodate the projected increase in demand for rail travel.
The competition is open internationally to individuals and teams from both small and large organisations from the design, built environment and manufacturing industries.
On the judging panel will be:
Lucy Musgrave OBE, (Founding Director of Publica)
Jonathan McDowell (Director, Matter Architecture)
Chris Wise (Senior Director, Expedition Engineering)
Dinah Casson CBE (RDI designer)
Victoria Lee (Lead Programme Manager, Design Council)
Paul Beaty-Pownall (Managing Director, BPR Architects Ltd)
Sahar Fikouhi (Founder, ARki)
Anthony Dewar (professional head of buildings and architecture, Network Rail),
Frank Anatole (Principal Architect, Network Rail)
Ian Grimes (Principal Engineer, Network Rail)
Visit the competition website for more information
The closing date for design proposals submissions is 2pm (BST) on 15 September 2020.
