BIG has unveiled plans for a new transportation hub in the heart of Västerås - one of Sweden's largest cities. The ambitious plan, "3B - Build Away the Barriers" will redevelop 17-acres surrounding an existing railway station in an effort to reconnect it to the city. As it exists now, the station's tracks divides two areas of the city; BIG's proposal aims to unite them with a single "floating roof" shaped by the "flow of people and public life" that will integrate new public programs into the site.
"Like a continuous thin sheet, the roof is gently lifted at its four corners, wrapping the city's vehicular infrastructure in multiple layers of public program and urban spaces. These four corners create welcoming entrance points, inviting travelers and visitors inside," says BIG. "Restaurants, cafes, bike parking, retail and other facilities are organized alongside train, bus and car traffic to support the free flow of public life through the building and out towards the city to nearby Lake Malaren."
Architects
Location
Västerås, SwedenPartners in Charge
Bjarke Ingels, David ZahleProject Leader
Kamilla HeskjeArea
12000.0 sqmPhotographs
BIGLocation
Västerås, SwedenPhotographs
Courtesy of BIGArea
12000.0 m2
