PSF – Small Railway Stations

This project is rooted in the dialectic relationship between elements evoking the image of a “train” – dynamic rhythm, technological expression, massive volumes, prefabrication, repeatability – and material traces indissolubly linked to the soul of specific places.

This dialectic takes concrete form in the opposition between the horizontal lines of the roof and the vertical lines of in situ stone masonry and local building techniques. This masonry element opens up in correspondence with space-the station to establish an ideal diaphragm between the rail lines and inhabited areas in an “incessant procession of railway ties”.

The dialogue with the horizontal surface is mediated by a rhythmic series of punctiform elements, in opposition to the linear nature of the wall. Its rhythm is marked by regularly repeating structural elements and animated by steel planes whose spacing is based on numeric successions of the Fibonacci sequence.

This numeric sequence is reinforced by the paving pattern and strip lighting on the underside of the roof. The use of a reflective material transforms the roof into a thin, lightweight element marking the limit between sky and ground. A blade floating above compact volumes of varying dimensions – hosting all of the functions required by a functioning railway station – modulated, in plan and elevation, by perforated prefabricated concrete panels that transform into glowing masses at night.

The design adopts modularity and repeatability as its principal strengths, conscious of the fact that the majority of interventions occur in consolidated situations and must respond to widely varying functional requirements.