STATION DESIGN

The architectural principle of "Form follows Function" finds its ideal application in station design. While station planning and architecture are intricately linked, they also serve distinct purposes. This paper will delve into the concept of station design, recognizing that a successful station is more than just the sum of its architectural elements, if anything, it needs to fulfil supreme functional requirements, creating a seamless and efficient flow for passengers, catering to their needs, and potentially even becoming a landmark for the city.

The station typology of At Grade, Elevated and Underground is now being defined in the next chapter into Platform, Concourse, Passages and Entrances. Which can be a common element of all the three typology.

The Station design discussed in this paper are mostly based on a 'Cut and Cover' or a 'Cavern' construction, both of which can provide the layout that is broadly discussed in this paper. This nomenclature derives from the engineering method required to form the structure required for the station functions. Some simple description is provided to set the stage.

Cut and Cover Station

The method of choice for construction, if the site permits, as it may be one of the most economical methods. The box nature of the engineering and construction requires the designer to make the best design/ use of the volume, so that longer, deeper sections could be minimised, to reduce both Opex and Capex.

By default, these station types may be closer to the ground, then deep underground

Please refer to this link to know more about the construction

Cavern Station

Cavern stations are constructed in large hollowed out spaces in rocks, etc. where a new station structure can be built. It may be marginally more forgiving for designers, as it is cheaper to hollow out areas in rock in differing shapes, for a particular design.

Cavern types may be very deep underground, or closer to the ground, if the geology allows this.

Both of these construction type will allow you to collocate many of the station functions that needs to be placed within the station box. Providing a much more flexible and functional system

Fig. https://railsystem.net/

Fig. Cavern for the NYC Metro

Platform Tunnel

In many instances, geology makes engineering and construction of stations difficult. Meaning that the soil condition may not allow you to have quadrilateral section, a more rounded section is required to fend of the immense pressure around. Stations may end up with only platforms and tracks located deep underground and other functions housed in different concourses, entrances/ticket halls, etc. Such platform could be built using a Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) engineering and constructions, etc.

This typology will require different planning for operational design and life safety needs.

Fig. Two TBM platform tunnel in a dumbbell configuration

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