Biophilic railway stations: Re-imagine the nature of transit design

Across the world railway stations, transit centres and transport interchanges are rapidly evolving from purely functional transit spaces to new urban centres and destinations, resulting in activity hubs and gathering places. These stations generate high footfall creating life and vitality, and form the centre of daily routines for many urban dwellers. Train stations are places of connection, they are gateways to the city, and can be one of the most exciting places in an urban environment to experience. Some stations make great destinations with shops, restaurants, museums and exhibition spaces. New architecture for railway stations acknowledges the functions of transit; whilst the heritage of place, culture and the surrounding urban spaces can provide excellent public areas to celebrate our innate human connection to nature. Similar to the grandeur of old railway stations, new majestic spaces with biomorphic-inspired monumental elements can include the fundamental pattern language that underpins the principles of Biophilia.