The proposal for the Metro Station 20 by MSB Architects aims to create passing spaces, with the creation and delineation of structures and trees that provide the amenities for this occupation. Assuming that the city will grow to this area, this project may be structured in this new area of the city through the creation of common spaces – above and below ground – with a philosophy of unity at a visual and functional language. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Located in a non-urbanized area, between two parts of high-density residential area of Druzhba, the site is a peripheral zone of the city center which is near the airport. The intervention area is between future buildings, between highways outlined in the existing urban design and is characterized by a pronounced change in their occupation, where a rapid development is estimated, and a great mobilization of people to this site. The plan that was delivered in the tender documents has been respected, and the intervention was adapted to the existing plan.
Despite being a non-urbanized area, there is a prior plan of development and expansion, where the blocks are defined, the access road and footpaths, the implementation and specification of the number of floors of buildings, and explicitly, the deployment of the future metro station and constraints to further action. The gas pipes running through the area, and how they would be integrated into the project, were taken into consideration in our proposal.
The way in which we live this space, and walk through was a determining factor in the collection of possible solutions, both at the street level zone, as in the entrance hall, and finally to the platform zone. The sense of unity and communication between levels, in order to establish a dialogue, is an important message to retain.
According to the characteristics of the surrounding paths and assumed level of the road, we propose four entrance / exit, to settle in areas that allow more and better movement of pedestrians and ensure the necessary comfort to this intervention. These entries are embedded within the framework of the urban network, assuming a sculptural character which extends horizontally and which is reflected in its implementation. Thus, there is a strong marking of the entrance / exits of the metro, and an approach which ensures that the new intervention is assumed not only inside but also at the street level.
With this strategy, we seek a very clear definition of access points to the subway, but in the intermediate level we have a moment of meeting and passing. In the transition there are two references very clear: the first to absorb other people and release them. Here, the slopes that climb the walls in the coverage, create a tunnel that leads to a great comfort and provide a security nature.
The lower level is characterized by a strong network of pillars. Rather than eliminate them, our proposal sought to take advantage of these elements, while objects that define this space. Instead of fighting against the pillars, they became a driving force in the environment of the project. Our approach is to unite the pillars that glide through hoops to each other, creating a space of multiple domes that share platforms in waiting areas and entrance to the underground, creating a wealth of great comfort and formal richness.
The implementation suggested in the tender documents, the coordinates where the levels are developed, the program and location of access, and even the provided pillars were fully respected in our proposal. The gas pipelines that cross this block are buried between the entrance hall and the street level zone.
Architects: MSB Architects Location: Sofia, Bulgaria Collaborators: Miguel Malaguerra, Susana Jesus, Bruno Martins, Hugo Aires, Ivan Araújo Jorge, Lisa Nóbrega Area: 17,000m2 Year: 2011
