#LANDSCAPING AND URBAN PLANNING PROJECTS
shortlisted preston bus station redevelopment by sane architecture
several years ago, the ‘preston bus station’ in preston, UK was fighting for its survival. arguments had been lobbied for its destruction, and it seemed as if the building’s demise was imminent.
instead of outright demolishing the structure, it was decided instead that an open international competition would be held to repurpose and renovate the massive, 9,000m2 space.
paris-based firm sane architecture was one of many entrants in the contest, and their proposal was eventually given second place overall. their plan relies on not what the ‘preston bus station’ doesn’t have, but what it does. it starts with a rebuttal of one of the leading arguments against the station, ‘it’s in the wrong place!’ obviously it being a hub of transportation, the location was of utmost importance, which is why it was built where it is to begin with.
the ‘bus station’ is placed smack dab in all the places — according to sane — actually worth seeing in the city. an overhead walkway connects to the guild hall, a victorian covered market is a quick walk south, and is also within the immediate vicinity of the harris museum and art gallery. however, there was a fatal flaw with the ‘station’, its forecourt. traveling from one side to the other was more akin to cliff diving then crossing the street, making the proximity to other great areas largely inaccessible.
sane’s strategy for the project was essentially to eliminate the problem. the issue-causing forecourt shared its footprint with a neighboring youth center, which helped shape what the area could be repurposed as: a pedestrian plaza. with the west side completely redefined, the building itself was approached.
already unique, the infrastructure was largely left alone. in the southern quarter, a mezzanine level was redefined as a co-working space. the area would function primarily as a remote working area for the community, and hopefully, eventually offer incubator opportunities for promising start-ups. other constructs for the interior include a cafe, restaurant, hairdresser, and more. back outside, the coach station was shifted to the southern façade.
in addition to the general plan, sane proposed a 2000m2 curved slab that would run parallel to the ‘bus station’ façade. it would ensure 500m2 of protected terrace, and would be left open to function as a recreation area or event venue as necessary.
