feature
Birmingham New Street Station
a new reflection
firmly place Birmingham on the passengers? Difficult decision
international map for very high quality, • Is the scheme affordable? Sir Bernard said that the 'most
daring design.' • Did the scheme look as though it rewarding of all was to experience the
would work successfully? talented presentations of six leading
Design objectives global architects which made the choice
To ensure that they had a 'breathtaking The winner is ... one of the most challenging decisions of
design' the Funders' Board decided to invite Clearly, chairing a panel of committed my career and I suspect of the entire
architects with a world wide reputation to and experienced people is a daunting task. panels too. We hope the chosen design
enter into a competition to create their The panel required a collective will not just add to the revitalisation of
own individual New Street station. Sir determination to choose a design which the station and city centre but will give a
Bernard Zissman, who is a previous mayor would bring to an end the tired and sense of excitement and pleasure to the
of Birmingham, was chosen as the outdated image of New Street station and passengers who start or finish a journey
chairman of the judging panel brought therefore to the city of Birmingham itself. as well as those who visit it to shop and
together to select the successful design. However, the panel finally came to a enjoy themselves.'
There were 117 design objectives and decision and the successful design by the The one thing that is for certain is that
features that had been identified as international company, Foreign Office his decision will be evident for all to see
essential by the funding partners. The Architects, was unveiled at the event on 18 for many years to come. No doubt it
number of participants was whittled down September. caused a couple of sleepless nights!
from 48 entries to 6 finalists. Foreign Office Architects was formed in
For Sir Bernard himself, the key 1995, and it is gaining a reputation as one Public space
questions that he identified which needed of the most innovative practices of The principal architect for Foreign
to be addressed were:- architecture and urban design in recent Office Architects is Alejandro Zaera-Polo
• Would the design fit in with the new years. One of their award winning works is conveniently known as Alex. He is a
emerging Birmingham city sky line? the Yokohama International Port Terminal member of an integrated team that is
• Would the design substantially benefit in Japan. emerging, undoubtedly supported by
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october 2008 | the rail engineer | 11
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