Sculptural Structure – King's Cross Station in London

White steel lattice work: King's Cross, one of London's most important railway stations, has been revamped. The bold and delicate structure of the new Western Concourse is stunning. Architects and planners talk about it in a film.

Architects: John McAslan + Partners, London
Structural engineers: Arup, London
Location: King's Cross Station, GB-N1 9AP London

The terminal station King's Cross has been one of the most important railway stations in London since 1852. Together with the neighbouring domestic and international station St. Pancras, and the underground station King’s Cross St. Pancras serving six tube lines, the Victorian-style structure designed by Lewis Cubitt is part of a highly frequented public transport hub. Increasing passenger numbers had long surpassed the capacity of Cubitt's original construction, which finally prompted the client, Network Rail, to modernise the station.

The urban development master plan was established by the architects in conjunction with Arup back in 1998. Specifications included moving the new station hall, which is primarily intended for departing passengers, to the west. The white sculptural structure of the new Western Concourse is very impressive. Shops and restaurants are located in rented spaces inserted in the structure, while ticket counters are accommodated in the historical Western Range building. This listed building has been precisely restored to its original design. White tree-like steel columns radiate from a tapered central funnel in front of the brickwork façade of the building, and span out to form the criss-crossing vaulted roof structure. Aluminium panels and glass cover the centre and sides of the structure, allowing light to fall on the Victorian façade.

A detailed documentation of the project can be found in the October edition
DETAIL 10/2012.