3.3 Stadelhofen Railway Station, Zurich
3.3.2 Phenomenology: Place Making in Zurich
The new additions to the Stadelhofen train station in the heart Zurich is a firm representation of the theory of ‘Genius Loci’ or ‘spirit of place’ whereby the new additions reinforce the old station’s merger with the city. It becomes a special place where ‘man’ is at peace within the confines of the basement shopping space away from the city life above and only surfaces when exiting to board a train or proceed into the city or up into the residential district along the hillside.
One can deduce a similarity between the locations of the Stadelhofen train station with that of the old Pietermaritzburg railway station in that at Stadelhofen the station is located on the upper part of the city near a hillside, which is common to Pietermaritzburg where the station is also located in the upper part of the city almost along the periphery. This ‘place making ‘relates strongly to the theory of Phenomenology whereby the old Pietermaritzburg station precinct will in time be seen as a ‘special place’ that encourages ‘dwelling’ and is to become a catalyst in the unification of the city’s diverse socio-economic communities through public transportation.
Photo 14, Toni V, 2006, New Stadelhofen Train Station – Repetitive Structural Elements
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AS A GENERATOR FOR CHANGE IN ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY:
The Revitalization of the Old Pietermaritzburg Railway Station into a Main Transport Interchange
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Looking at the theory of Phenomenology, commuters engage with the buildings sculptural form and repetitive design whilst moving between shops situated within these vertical protrusions. The merge of different structural elements (Photo 14) from within the station’s shopping concourse, all the way to the upper promenade is indicative of a Tectonic approach which is coupled with Pallasmaa’s psychic experience of ‘visual connection’ that encourages the imagination and stimulates the senses, invoking touch and appreciation.
Both internal and outdoor spaces at the Pietermaritzburg station should be utilized to their maximum potential in terms of spatial allocation and usage so as to avoid unwanted or wasted space. In keeping true to a Phenomenological approach, the main and secondary concourses of the new Pietermaritzburg station should enjoy the infusion of retail and food outlets to offer continual activity and vibrancy to the space. A more compact and vibrant space will contribute to ‘place making’ within the new Pietermaritzburg station complex and afford one the experience of ‘being at peace in a protected place’.
The new train station building at the old Pietermaritzburg Railway Station precinct should not only be dependent on an expression of its overall structure to invoke emotional experiences, as proposed by Pallasmaa, but should display an assortment of aesthetic treatment to the various elements and features within the smaller spaces as well whilst en route to the station’s platforms. This treatment could simply be in the use of lighting technology, sound and visual images displayed in a bid to keep the commuter captivated.
At the Stadelhofen station, natural light is in abundance on the upper levels through open and glazed platform canopies but allowed to penetrate into the lower level by virtue of openings in the grass block paving the promenade above (Photo 15). These openings are situated between the ‘ribcage’ like repetitive columns holding up the structure. This intentional penetration of natural light coupled with the replicated ‘ribcage’ like structure contributes to a fluidity of emotional movement along the railway corridors as one is engulfed in shadow pattern changes influenced by the change in the position of the sun.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AS A GENERATOR FOR CHANGE IN ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY:
The Revitalization of the Old Pietermaritzburg Railway Station into a Main Transport Interchange
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Photo 15, Yago V, 2008, New Stadelhofen Train Station – Natural Light Penetration Through Grass Blocks
Through Phenomenology, spatial enjoyment and sensual invigoration is not only amplified by a visual connection of physical elements but can be enhanced by that of natural elements as well as is the case with the sensual effect of sunlight penetration. The control of natural light within the train station coupled with that of sound and the aesthetic treatment, all in line with a strong Phenomenological approach to various elements, promotes spaces of intrigue which remains vital in capturing the commuter’s imagination.
Natural lighting will be in abundance at the Pietermaritzburg station as it relates strongly to the design of the upper track level & promenade at Stadelhofen whereby the existing station currently remains at ground level. However, if the need arises and as demonstrated by Calatrava, one should always ensure that there remains an effective design and control of artificial light as well, although our current society expects energy usage to be extremely limited. At night the Stadelhofen station remains well lit ensuring a high degree of visibility and transparency, but at the same time not being too intense, which allows for a visual connection of the station at night affording it a celebratory role of an iconic building on the hillside.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AS A GENERATOR FOR CHANGE IN ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY:
The Revitalization of the Old Pietermaritzburg Railway Station into a Main Transport Interchange
69 | P a g e