arata isozaki + andrea maffei associati: new bologna central station

‘bologna central station’ by arata isozaki + andrea maffei associati
image courtesy of arata isozaki + andrea maffei associati

designboom recently visited the milan studio of arata isozaki + andrea maffei associati, where we were given an exclusive preview of ‘bologna central station’ which is set to be completed in 2015. dictated by the conditions of the italian city, the development aims to merge a series of overlapping urban needs with the contrasting industrial and historical environments that surround the station.

central hub
image courtesy of arata isozaki + andrea maffei associati

an architectural distinction between old and new references the division of the city and reacts to the two realities of the neighborhood. one on side, the existing historical station will be preserved while the contemporary extension will be positioned on the back towards the industrial area. a sequence of independent and intersecting volumes correspond to the urban texture of the modern district. based on an orthogonal grid, the design adopts a clearly geometric layout that is connected through a series of internal courtyards and gardens.

train platforms
image courtesy of arata isozaki + andrea maffei associati

the exterior facade, a transparent and decomposing web-like surface, serves to lighten the overall mass which spans six hundred meters. abstract and stark in its appearance, the bold white structure isolates itself from the existing forms. acting as a central connector to the train platforms and binary spaces, the hub contains commercial functions such as the ticket counters, food and beverage outlets, retail booths and waiting rooms. abstract and organically formed light wells cut through the vast interior volume, breaking up the otherwise linear space while subtly merging each subsequent level.

atrium
image courtesy of arata isozaki + andrea maffei associati

connected by an enclosed glass bridge, the existing station serves as an alternative entrance and exit point that leads visitors to the historic center. looking to integrate the station with the larger community, the building will house a theater, sports complex and congress hall for use by both travelers and the citizens of the city.

entrance on industrial side of city
image courtesy of arata isozaki + andrea maffei associati