Architectural firm 7N Architects wins RIBA Competition in partnership with Network Rail

Network Rail and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that 7N Architects have been selected as winners in a competition to design a railway station.

The main aim of the designs was to create a station, small to medium in size, which can improve the travel experience for passengers, but also consider local communities into the design.

Over 200 entries were submitted from architects, engineers and designers based across 34 countries.

Judges for the competition choose 7N Architects design for a number of reasons, which are listed below:

Clock Tower – described as “eye-catching”, the judges thought this feature would become a local landmark, naturally drawing people to meet up for social activities.
Modular Station Design – the design could easily being developed in size to meet the demand and need in a certain area
Incorporation of Renewable Energy Sources – a key design feature is the addition of solar panels to power the station. Network Rail is working towards a becoming car neutral by 2050, with solar panels playing a major role behind achieving this.

7N Architects will now work closely with Network Rail project representatives to develop their design into a formal proposal that addresses a prescribed set of technical requirements, including consideration of construction methodology.

7N's Design showing Clock Tower // Credit RIBA Comms — 7N’s Design showing Clock Tower // Credit RIBA Comms

Head of Buildings and Architecture at Network Rail Anthony Dewar said: “This competition offered a unique opportunity to reimagine what a railway station can be in the 21st century, creating an environment that better serves the passengers and communities who rely on the British railway network and leave a lasting legacy on station design. I would like to congratulate 7N Architects on their winning entry and I look forward to seeing how they will bring their design to life.”

Founding Director of Publica and member of the judging panel Lucy Musgrave OBE said:“This competition has clearly set out the importance of holistic and integral design quality when it comes to creating successful infrastructure. Network Rail’s leadership has encouraged all involved to consider how society is changing and how we can address the climate emergency and the evolving civic role of our infrastructure. 7N’s winning proposal showed a confident expression and understanding of the opportunity to celebrate our local identities, the specificity and integration with our urban and rural landscapes, and the strength of our national identity through our railway infrastructure. We wish 7N well in this next phase and look forward to seeing the work develop.”

Wide Angle of 7N's Design // Credit RIBA Comms — Wide Angle of 7N’s Design // Credit RIBA Comms

RIBA President Alan Jones said: “This is a highly innovative, compelling and forward-thinking solution that will have a hugely-positive impact on future station design. Congratulations to 7N Architects – I’m excited to see the scheme develop.”

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “7N Architects’ innovative concept puts passengers right at the heart of its design, from the sweeping canopies providing shelter from the elements and generating power, to the station’s frontage serving as a local landmark.

“Harnessing creative and forward-thinking ideas in competitions like this will be a game-changer when it comes to designing stations of the future that deliver a first class experience for all passengers. I look forward to seeing this become a reality.”

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