valode & pistre‘s ‘la gare du nord’ is not only a magnificent parisian monument, but also an integral transport hub in the city. it is currently europe’s busiest station welcoming 700 000 passengers per day, with 800 000 expected by 2024. the ambition of this project is to transform the station into an urban complex, making it a new reference for the 21st century.

valode & pistre transforms gare du nord station into a 21st century urban complex reference
the ambition is to transform the station into an urban complex, making it a reference for the 21st century

 

 

parisian based architecture agency valode & pistre‘s project is an opportunity to reinvent the overall design of the station and enhance its relationship with the city. areas of consideration include the separation of flows between departures and arrivals as well as the redevelopment of the fundamental areas to accommodate the new services and activities.

valode & pistre transforms gare du nord station into a 21st century urban complex reference
the upper levels are timber pavilions set in a roof garden

 

 

the creation of a main entrance and a large loggia open on the forecourt to the east of the historic facade of the station provide access to a generous 300-meter-long passageway beneath a glazed roof. this sunlit gallery spans the length of the new building, guiding users to departure points and serving new commercial, cultural, sporting and co-working activities. the size of the existing area will be quintupled.

valode & pistre transforms gare du nord station into a 21st century urban complex reference
the new station will welcome sporting activities including jogging trails

 

 

the objective of ‘la gare du nord’ is to open up the station onto the city. it’ll no longer be a station in the city, but a city in the station. the upper levels of valode & pistre’s latest design are timber pavilions set in a roof garden. sports activities including jogging trails and restaurants will benefit from breath-taking views of montmartre. the project highlights connections between city transport networks and the train station: new bus station, large bike station and improved access to the metro in particular.

valode & pistre transforms gare du nord station into a 21st century urban complex reference
the project highlights connections between city transport networks and the train station

 

 

respect for historical heritage will guide the design. the interior facade of the large hall designed by j. hittorff in the nineteenth century will be restored to its original state becoming a landmark greeting for travelers on the main european lines.

valode & pistre transforms gare du nord station into a 21st century urban complex reference
currently, europe’s busiest station welcoming 700 000 passengers per day, with 800 000 expected by 2024

valode & pistre transforms gare du nord station into a 21st century urban complex reference
the entrance hall provides access to a generous 300-meter-long passageway beneath a glazed roof

valode & pistre transforms gare du nord station into a 21st century urban complex reference
the sunlit gallery guides users to departure points and serves commercial, sporting and co-working activities

valode & pistre transforms gare du nord station into a 21st century urban complex reference
the interior facade of the large hall designed in the nineteenth century will be restored to its original state

valode & pistre transforms gare du nord station into a 21st century urban complex reference
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edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom