Grimshaw has designed all 19 stops for Sydney's Central Business District (CBD) and South East (SE) Light Rail scheme.
The CBD & SE Light Rail has transformed Sydney's transit modality, redefined George Street as a grand granite paved pedestrian boulevard, re-connected the communities of the inner south eastern suburbs and instituted an urban amenity that has restored the vibrant pedestrian character that once distinguished historic Sydney. Circular Quay, Martin Place, and Town Hall Square emerge as Sydney's finest ensemble of public spaces. Central Station connects the City through the verdant landscapes of Surry Hills neighbourhoods, Moore Park, Randwick Racecourse, UNSW and Prince of Wales Hospital.
The architecture of the stops intends a subtle ordering of movement and marking of the places of embarking with an varying amenity and scale. Sydney's environment is subdued with the use of bronze as the cladding material. A noble material with historic significance, which patinas overtime with a tonality that affiliates with urban and landscape characters, establishing a subdued but timeless identity.
The design methodology integrates CCTV & PA systems, smart card (Opal) technology, communications, signalling and customer information as well as strategies for locating and selecting equipment, lighting, materials and finishes. This integrated system will establish a unique identity for Sydney while offering climatic amenity and legible wayfinding.
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When first installed, the bronze canopies have a ‘bright penny’ appearance, which will gradually transform transforming with a rich, timeless patina; rapid at first then slowing to an imperceptible rate after several years’ exposure.
The stops have been designed to complement the urban contexts, heritage circumstances, and landscapes of their individual locales.
Andrew Cortese, Partner, Grimshaw
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Location
Sydney, Australia
Project Type
Rail and Mass Transit →
Awards:
Australian Institute of Architects Awards, NSW Chapter 2020 – Lord Mayor’s Prize
Australian Institute of Architects Awards, NSW Chapter 2020 – Urban Design Award
Client
Transport for New South Wales
Status
Complete
Year
2019