Start Slideshow
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersOne of the best ways to encourage good behavior is to make it fun, and this newly revamped <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/train-station">train station</a> in Utrecht complete with a slide is a great example of that philosophy in action. The <a href="http://www.inhabitots.com/level-architects-house-with-slide-is-the-ultimate-fun-house/">slide</a>, which has been named the 'Transfer Accelerator', gives travelers a new way to get down the stairs at the entrance to the Overvecht station. Not only is it way more appealing, but it's also a bit quicker. Designed by <a href="http://www.hik-ontwerpers.nl/2011/05/entree-station-overvecht/" target="_blank">HIK Ontwerpers</a> as part of the station's redevelopment project, the slide is just one of the many additions to improve the usability, sustainability and safety of the new station.1
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersThe Overvecht station was originally built in 1995, but had since fallen into disrepair with the concrete crumbling and no one in the kiosk.2
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersProRail, the railway maintenance company, hired HIK Ontwerpers to redesign the station to improve safety and usability of the station.3
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersThe <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/green-renovation">renovation</a> consisted of reworking the circulation, rebuilding the stairs, adding more planting spaces and of course the slide.4
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersDubbed the 'Transfer Accelerator' by ProRail, adults and children alike make use of the playful slide to get down the stairs.5
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersWhile some people in the area (see the video below) think that using a slide will make them "fat like Americans," we think the slide just makes things more fun.6
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersWe're pretty certain that if more stations had slides, more people would take the train.7
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersThe slide was the last piece of the project, which was completed earlier this summer.8
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersPassengers now have a more pleasant station to move through, with an awesome slide and an open, safe terraced courtyard to enjoy.9
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersConstruction of the new entrance to the train station.10
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersConstruction of the new entrance to the train station.11
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersConstruction of the new entrance to the train station.12
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersConstruction of the new entrance to the train station.13
Slide to Overvecht Station-HIK OntwerpersConstruction of the new entrance to the train station.14
