Entrants had to design fully accessible footbridges that could be used across Britain’s rail network. Ideas had to challenge presumptions and raise expectations for the quality of future design. More than 120 entries were received from 19 countries.
Overall winner is Gottlieb Paludan Architects, DK with Strasky, Husty and Partners, CZ. Their design proposed a bold, elegant and uncluttered aesthetic that would create an uplifting experience to suit many contexts.
Judges awarded highly commended to an entry by Hawkins\Brown with WSP. This design presented a strong strategic approach, proposing a modular kit of parts that would enable a standardised bridge system to be adapted via the use of simple pre-fabricated, clip-on modular elements to different contexts and settings.
Anthony Dewar, head of buildings and architecture at Network Rail, said: “Footbridges can have a significant positive impact on their local environment and offer wider social and economic benefits. As part of Network Rail’s commitment to make the railway more inclusive and fit for today’s needs through good design, the competition winner will be added to our new catalogue of improved station footbridge designs and we are in discussions to agree how this idea can be fully realised.”
Judging evaluation panel member Kay Hughes, Founder of Khaa, added: “The entries for this competition highlight how design can improve people’s day-to-day travel experience, through pragmatic, beautiful and efficient solutions.”Transport accessibility minister Nusrat Ghani said: “I was thrilled to see such a range of exciting and innovative designs submitted to this competition. We are committed to ensuring that our railways are accessible to everyone and this simply goes to show the appetite and ability of the design sector to help make this happen.”
The World Architecture News Awards features the best in international retail design, as well as other types of current and future projects. To see the full list of winners and categories for the WAN Awards 2018, click here
