Train stations, airports and cruise terminals experience the highest level of footfall than any other public building. Trudged by commuters and sauntered by globetrotters, these central hubs are the fulcrum of travel in every town, city and capital; both for their architectural intrigue and, equally, for their utilitarian intent. The visual appeal of these structures is crucial to the infrastructure of all towns and cities across all quarters of the globe.
Two recent public transit projects that boast compelling aesthetics have been welcomed by Canadians in the capital of the region of Ontario. Designed by British Architect, Will Alsop – whose architectural practice, aLL Design, is known all too well by Torontonians for its avant-garde designs – the Pioneer Village and Finch West stations comprise two of six new stations in the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension project. The two brightly-coloured, eye-catching edifices have been designed to inject a touch of “cheer” and “joy” into the daily commuter’s everyday routine, as Alsop explains: “I have to assume that on one of those really cold, miserable January mornings... there will be people down there travelling to a job that they’d probably rather not do. What I want them to feel is a little bit of cheer, a little bit of joy.” To read up more on the two recent additions to Toronto’s already impressive skyline, turn to page 12.
Elsewhere in this month’s issue, we voyage across the North Pacific to Hong Kong where Foster + Partners has revealed the bustling region’s new gateway for thousands of cruise liner passengers. Sited opposite popular tourist hotspot, Victoria Harbour – which is known for its unrivalled views across Hong Kong’s remarkable skyline – Ocean Terminal in Harbour City has been designed as a form of cascading terraces on the water’s edge offering visitors outstanding 270° panoramas of the city. Flick to page 34 for a closer look at Hong Kong’s latest addition.
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