gmp Architekten to Design Gorgeous New Hangzhou South Railway Station

Following hot on the heels of a number of successes this past year, <a href="http://www.gmp-architekten.com/" target="_blank">gmp Architekten</a> just won first prize to design <a href="http://www.gmp-architekten.com/news/hangzhou-south-railway-station-china.html" target="_blank">Hangzhou South Railway Station</a> in China. The firm will convert and expand an existing station in the Xiao Shan district to the south of the Qiantang River. Taking inspiration from traditional architecture in the area, the new station will bridge over the tracks on a plinth of grey granite. Like their other station in China, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/china-celebrates-the-opening-of-the-gorgeous-daylit-tianjin-west-railway-station/">Tianjin West</a>, gmp's design for Hangzhou South Station will be filled with natural daylight.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/gmp-architekten/">gmp Architekten's</a> design for the Hangzhou South Railway Station was recently awarded first prize and will renovate and extend the existing station.

After its completion, Hangzhou South will be the third largest station in the city after the eastern and main railway stations. The 90,000 sq m rectilinear building acts as a bridge straddling over the train tracks.

Passengers enter the foyer of the station from the east or the west via long sloping ramps and can quickly reach the 7 platforms at ground level.

The 200 meter long and 18 meter high waiting hall is a free-spanning space without columns.

Flooded with natural daylight, the open space provides easy orientation and directions to descend to the 21 tracks via escalators or lifts.

China's rapid transit network via <a href="http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2010/05/13/china-expands-its-investment-in-rapid-transit-paving-way-for-future-urban-growth/" target="_blank">The Transport Politic</a>