7N Architects
Re-Imagining Railway Stations
Model and digital print
In collaboration with Pillar Visuals
In collaboration with Pillar Visuals
18 x 66 x 46 cm / 128 x 66 x 46 cm
HUB Station is a landmark project to transform more than 2,000 small and medium sized train stations across the UK into sustainable public transport hubs that hold a pivotal civic...
HUB Station is a landmark project to transform more than 2,000 small and medium sized train stations across the UK into sustainable public transport hubs that hold a pivotal civic role in serving local communities. As our world grapples with urgent climate challenges and widening inequalities, the concept of HUB Station emerged from an international RIBA competition to ‘Re-Imagine Railway Stations’ and is a testament to resilience and collective action by promoting spaces for people and locality. Comprised of an adaptable kit of parts, this simple and scalable catalogue of standardised elements can be tailored to the context and materiality of each station’s location, infusing their unique character whilst maintaining a consistent national identity. Signified by the clock tower as a new local landmark, the station environment extends beyond the platform to create civic spaces that greet passengers. A ‘welcome mat’ of landscaped public realm provides a placemaking framework for a diverse mix of permanent and pop-up uses. The clock tower and the platform enclosures are based on common principles that employ local materials, craftsmanship, and regional plant species to reflect local character and embed it in its context. The HUB station approach is informed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals and RIBA Sustainable Outcomes. It embraces ecology, biodiversity, social equity, and inclusivity throughout its design. The passenger focussed and inclusive environments feature enhanced provision of shelter and facilities, while utilising tactile natural materials. Embracing lean robust design principles, such as low carbon materials like engineered timber, and energy self-sufficiency through integrated renewables, the concept offers a low whole life carbon solution that can be scaled rapidly. Prioritising high quality landscape and public realm within the station environment over car parking, promotes sustainable travel and biodiversity, and enhances further the setting of stations within their local communities. Network Rail published 7N Architects’ ‘Medium to Small Station Design Guidance’, which affects stations across the UK, in 2022. More detailed standard catalogue designs will be published later in 2024 followed by a series of prototypes and pilot projects. Visualisation by Pillar Visuals. Model dimensions: 18cm (h) x 66cm (w) x 46cm (d) Plinth dimensions: 110cm (h) x 66cm (w) x 46cm (d) Framed visualisation dimensions: 120cm (h) x 40cm (w) x 1cm (d)