erik giudice architects proposes wooden canopy for jonkoping station in sweden

the philosophy behind the design envisioned by erik giudice architects is based on the connection between the city of jönköping in sweden and its surrounding nature. this link is demonstrated through the use of a light and a playful wooden canopy structure, partly transparent and open towards the city on one side and to munksjön lake on the other. the matchstick structure pays homage to the city’s past as tändsticksstaden, famous matchstick capital of sweden.

exterior perspective

by using a combination of wood and polycarbonate panels, this iconic structure will provide shading, sunlight and natural ventilation while protecting against the elements. the organic nature of the design offers the station a strong identity and the elevated platform coupled with the semi-transparent cover will give the traveller arriving aboard the high-speed train an instant view over the surrounding lakes and forests. the station will offer jönköping instant recognition on the new high-speed railway link and in line with the ambitions stated in the design vision, jönköping- staden och sjöarna. the polycarbonate covering can be integrated with solar panels on the south side, offering the station the possibility of generating energy for its own use. rainwater will naturally run off the curved structure and will be harvested and reused within planted areas with the trees.

interior perspective

the use of wood and curved, irregular surfaces helps absorb and diffuse noise from the train and other traffic and adds to a more peaceful atmosphere, a place where people are invited to linger and relax. transparency and openness help sunlight reach below the cover and onto the platforms and other areas, ensuring that all areas of the station have access to light with entrance areas on all sides, making the spaces above as well as below the viaduct feel safe and secure for all users. at the upper level, visitors are invited into the matchstick forest through long, circular ramps which take them to the top of the canopy and onto a walkway, at once opening up to the lakes and the forests around jönköping. here, the visitors can enjoy a drink or simply walk around admiring the view over the lakes, the forests, and the city.

exterior night view

the lower level of the station will host a number of different uses including ticket offices, shops, cafes, and restaurants. it is where other modes of transportation connect with and within the train station. it has been designed to favor easy access for all users and a good flow of both pedestrian and motorized traffic in and around the station through the use of wide sidewalks, large entrance areas and transparency which offers excellent visual orientation.

masterplan

cross section 

south elevation

multifunctional public space

axonometry

project info:

client: jönköping municipality
architect: erik giudice architecure
team: systra (urban/rail public transport civil engineering), noema culture & place mapping (cultural planning), calluna (urban ecology)
program: station area
dates: 2016 competition
surface: 10 000 m2

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom