Project: Elevated Light Rail Track
Award: Future Projects -Transport, Gold, 2023
Location: South Korea
Architect: ZJA
Client: GS E&C and the South Korean Railroad Research Institute (KRRI)
The architects were commissioned by the South Korean Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) to design an economically viable, elegant, sustainable and innovative rail track and came up with an above-ground solution for an Elevated Light Rail System.
Lighter, faster, with a greater capacity and less environmentally polluting than other options, the Light Rail System is a popular means of transport in cities. But the raised horizontal structures, which have previously always stood on closely spaced columns, have a negative visual and spatial impact in already jam-packed cities. This innovative structural concept offers a slim design with a limited construction height, based on the principle of the I-beam profile. Using a central beam between the tracks, with “flanges” cantilevered outwards, makes it possible - even at places where the structure is around fifteen metres high - to extend the distance between columns to 200 metres without the need for extra stays or cables.
Design highlights
Strong, able to retain its shape and – unlike a tubular structure with cutaways – giving passengers a completely open view on one side, the design is characterized by organic lines and curves. The roof has an important structural function in spreading forces; it soars in a waving line that makes the whole structure appear to be floating above the city.
Photo credit: ZJA
ARCHITECT: ZJA
IN COLLABORATION WITH: Woosung D&C, Dong-A Engineering and C & SC CO
STRUCTURAL DESIGN: SIDstudio