Beijing South Railway Station : Information + Images

8 Sep 2008 Beijing South Railway Station Building Photographs © Arup / Zhou Ruogu Architecture Photography China’s Ministry of Railways has hailed Farrells’ Beijing South Railway Station as an exemplar project that will be used as a benchmark for massive new investment for China’s railway infrastructure. The Ministry of Railways plans to spend 150bn RMB (1.2bn GBP) to build a number of new railway stations along a new high speed rail link between Beijing and Shanghai, with Beijing South as the flagship of a network of new stations and six massive hubs. Among the new stations currently under construction is New Guangzhou Station, another of Farrells’ projects, due for completion in 2009. Announcing the new investment, The Ministry of Rail’sways Chief Engineer, Jain Zheng, said that Beijing South will be used as a benchmark because of its innovative architecture, energy conservation features and its capacity to handle a peak passenger flow of one million people per day. Sir Terry Farrell said: “Investment in rail infrastructure can recast our sense of urban place and ease linkages that change our sense of distance and accessibility. Model interchanges such as Beijing South Railway Station are increasingly impacting on the growth of cities and enriching peoples’ lives. Successful economies need this type of investment, and the UK can learn a lesson from China’s massive and bold long-term investment in its railway infrastructure”. Beijing Airport Farrells began its journey into the Asia-Pacific region after winning an international competition to design the new Peak Tower, setting up office in Hong Kong in 1991. Fast forward 17 years and not only has the architecture firm made its mark through the design and masterplanning of iconic buildings and railways related projects, it has also shaped towns and cities throughout China, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, The Philippines, Australia, India and South Africa. The project was led by Gavin Erasmus and Stefan Krummeck from Farrells’ Hong Kong office who worked with a collaborating consultant, the Third Survey Design Institute (TSDI). Farrells architecture is founded on innovative technical and conceptual thinking, a complete understanding of the history, context and aspirations of each project and the needs of those who use and enjoy the buildings. Beijing South Railway Station is the largest station in Asia and a core Olympic project which opened on 1st August 2008. Beijing South Railway Station images / information from Farrells