Mass public transit is a green, environmentally friendly mode of transportation on its own, and now Dutch firm Mecanoo Architecten is taking that concept to the extreme with a literally green train station. Like Grand Central or Tokyo Station, Kaohsiung Station will be the hub of the Taiwanese underground -- but, above ground, it will be lush with a verdant garden and park system.
The complete project consists of three layers: at bottom, the train station will carry more than 40,000 passengers daily. Above that is a sleek, open plaza with a skylight and wrap-around windows to maximize natural light access. Finally, on top will be the open air garden which will function as both a park and bicycle path.
The green train station will occupy 8.5 hectares within central Kaohsiung.
What's Driving This Trend
- Green Train Stations
- The concept of transforming train stations into lush gardens and parks presents an opportunity for sustainable and eco-friendly urban infrastructure development.
- Multifunctional Transit Hubs
- Designing train stations as multifunctional spaces that incorporate open plazas, skylights, and parks can revolutionize the way people interact with transportation, creating vibrant and community-centric urban environments.
- Integration of Nature and Infrastructure
- The integration of green spaces, such as gardens and bike paths, within transportation infrastructure, offers an innovative approach to connect people with nature and promote well-being.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture and Urban Planning
- The architecture and urban planning industry can explore designing green train stations and integrating nature into infrastructure to create sustainable and visually appealing spaces.
- Transportation and Logistics
- The transportation and logistics industry can invest in infrastructure projects that prioritize the development of green train stations to offer environmentally friendly and attractive transit options.
- Sustainable Tourism and Recreation
- The sustainable tourism and recreation industry can leverage green train stations as unique attractions that combine transportation, nature, and recreational spaces, attracting eco-conscious travelers and locals alike.
