London-based practice Studio Egret West have developed designs for future London Underground stations which centre on a holistic approach to infrastructure design. The so-called 'Station Design Idiom' is, according to the designers, "deliberately wide-ranging." As a manifesto, it "covers small interventions, like repainting, through to full station refurbishments and new builds" and "complements existing London Underground standards and guidance and is the first port of call for all design decision-making on the network."
According to Transport for London (TfL), Studio Egret West's Idiom "will ensure stations are developed and built with uniformly high standards of design, which retain and celebrate individuality and local character while forming part of a cohesive network." It "recognises and appreciates the great design heritage that already exists; it inspires great design in all new projects, regardless of scale."
As David West (of Studio Egret West) notes, "not since the days of Frank Pick [designer of the iconic London Underground brand] has there been such an opportunity to holistically rethink the network's design approach. Nine key principles shape the Design Idiom starting with Balance, where the iconic roundel is used to demonstrate the crucial balance between network consistency and local specificity." The nine London Underground Station Design Idiom principles are:
- Achieve Balance Across the Network
- Look Beyond the Bostwick Gates
- Consider Wholeness
- Prioritise Comfort for Staff and Customers
- Delight and Surprise
- Use Materials to Create Atmospheric Spaces
- Create Ambience with Lighting
- Integrate Products and Services
- Prepare for the Future
You can view the full London Underground Station Design Idiom document here (PDF).
