TFP farrells: guangzhou south railway station

‘guangzhou south railway station’ by TFP farrells, guangzhou, china images courtesy TFP farrells

the recently completed ‘guangzhou south railway station’ located in guangzhou, china designed by london-based practice TFP farrells has been shortlisted for an award in the transport category of this year’s world architecture festival. positioned within the pearl river delta region, this addition to china’s growing network of high speed railway transportation hubs will circulate 300,000 passengers on a daily basis. 28 platforms distributed on the ground level receive the arrival trains while departures are elevated to the first floor. the building is divided vertically to provide infrastructure for other modes of movement including taxis, cars, buses and connections to the metropolitan subway positioned underground.

ground level entrance

a series of spacious atriums welcome passengers while simultaneously allowing unobstructed views from the raised concourses through to the waiting hall. the spine of the structure contains a 348 meter long skylight which becomes wider near the main entrances and slimmer towards the center. the barrel vaulted structural steel diagrid is enclosed with ETFE air cushions to introduce daylight while minimizing excessive solar gain. reminiscent of the appearance of victorian train stations, the standing seam roof is angled 45 degrees to evoke the structural arrangement of leaves. the 168 meter clear-spans of the roof’s hybrid system of structural components results in column free areas with visual connections between escalators and lifts. the overall masterplan introduces two large vegetated plazas at the opposing points of entry increasing the urban dweller’s connection with native trees and plants.

atrium with glazed roof