Chinese architecture studio MAD has rebuilt a historic train station in central Jiaxing, China, and expanded it with an underground terminal and public park.
Named Train Station in the Forest, the revamp of the 354,000-square-metre building is MAD's first station and the studio hopes it will "redefine transportation infrastructure buildings in China".
MAD designed Train Station in the Forest in Jiaxing
MAD created an underground terminal with a public park at ground level along with a full-scale replica of the original 1907 station that now forms the north entrance.
The 210,000 red and green bricks used for the reconstruction are made of mud sourced locally, mainly from the nearby South Lake.
The studio rebuilt the original 1907 station The size of the station, which is expected to be used by 5.28 million people a year by 2025, was increased from five tracks to six tracks.
To increase capacity, two sunken waiting halls have been built on either side of the overground platforms.
A metal roof and glass facade contrast the brick station. Photo is by Aogvision
These underground waiting halls have metal roofs equipped with solar panels that power the station, contrasting the brick exterior of the reconstructed building's facade.
The glass facade and skylights allow natural light into the building while providing a clear view of the reconstructed station front from inside the building.
Exhaust vents, a broadcasting system and underpass light strips are embedded into the...