ARCHELLO YOUR CONNECTION WITH ARCHITECTURE

Recently the Flemish city of Mechelen presented the design for its new train station. The complex was designed by architect Salvatore Bono as a link to the public space. It also aims to encourage further development around the station.

The current station forms a barrier where historic city and town life peter out. Bono’s aim is to create an ‘urban lounge’ with his design. He also aims to create an open plaza that serves as meeting place and connection between the historical and future city.

The areas under the tracks thereby function as passages and as a public square.
“The floor of this area is hilly in some places and thus creates intimate spots. The passerby is invited to stop here, discover the space and relax,” says developer Euro Immo Star.

“The use of warm materials, that are applied on a human scale, also ensures that spaces don’t have a very functional feeling to them. Thus, the ceiling of the platform roof will be made of durable wood and the floor will be from natural stone.”

Daylight also forms an important part of the architecture. Daylight falls in and is then filtered by a dynamic undulation of the platform roof. The design of this roof is based on the arch shape of the Vierendeel bridges nearby on the Leuevense Vaart.

There are plans for the further urban development of the stations surroundings. The plans intend to give the station a 24 hour function. Cultural, commercial, residential and other activities are proposed.

“What exact activities these will be and which are the additional buildings involved is not yet clear,” says Bram Vermeuelen, urban architect. Both Vermeuelen and architect Bono are working for Immo Star on this project.

It is intended that the work will start at the end of this year. The project will be implemented in different phases and will be completed in 2017.