HACK CITY RESEARCH

"With this multi-phased development now complete, the significance of the King’s Cross Station redevelopment is finally revealed. The transformation of King’s Cross Station for Network Rail involves three very different styles of architecture: re-use, restoration and new build. The train shed and range buildings have been adapted and re-used, the station’s previously obscured Grade I listed façade is being precisely restored, and a new, highly expressive Western Concourse has been designed as a centrepiece and the 'beating heart' of the project. When the station opens to the public on 19 March 2012, King's Cross will become a new, iconic architectural gateway to the city, ready for the 2012 London Olympics. Our design re-orientates the station to the west, creating significant operational improvements and will reveal the main south façade of Lewis Cubitt’s original 1852 station."

source: https://www.archdaily.com/219082/kings-cross-station-john-mcaslan-partners

transformation of King’s Cross Station, spearheaded by John McAslan + Partners, seats smirk at the confluence of three varying styles in architectural practice: adaptive reuse, restoration and new build. The main train shed and range buildings were adaptively reused, while the obscure Grade 1 listed facade has had its architectural lustre restored, with the new build extension placing the Western Concourse as the nucleus of this multi-modal transport hub. Network Rail’s intention with the project was to provide a breath-taking architectural gateway to England's capital, especially with the then looming 2012 London Olympics."

source: https://www.archute.com/kings-cross-station/

The Kings Cross station was an architectural celebration I was eager to research upon starting the 'Hack City' brief, as I have viewed it as one of the most aesthetic and functional examples of adaptive reuse and complimentary new-build in architecture. The mix of these styles/practices responds well to the brief, showing how adding to an already existing building without necessarily reforming its entire purpose, it can prove more functional or attractive to users. For example, the fitting of shops/user interactions of the arches from the original building that makes up Kings Cross station, significantly preserves so much more space (therefore higher user density and efficiency) than if alternatively, independent installations were implemented in the empty areas to accommodate for these needs.

PART 2 Research

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