The Florence TAV Station in Italy will make high-speed, long distance trains travelling through the city a thing of the past.
When it opens to the public in 2010, trains will pass through a seven kilometer tunnel, with the entrance at Campo di Marte station and the exit at Castello. The existing railway tracks will be re-used by a new tramline as city transport with new stops and new trains.
The new underground station for high speed trains, in the Belfiore-Macellihigh, will be a huge complex covering over 45 square metres with avant-garde and eco-friendly technology. It will descend as far as 25 metres below ground and has a large glass cover.
"The scheme is designed to ensure durability and ease of maintenance, to minimise energy consumption and reduce running cost," Foster + Partners explain their project.
"Natural light is a crucial part of this equation, so too is temperature control. The arching roof structure provides a system for effective temperature regulation by drawing warm air out through via permanent vents. It also incorporates photovoltaic cells to generate power. The walls and floors are lined with a palette of rich materials familiar throughout the city - including a highly figured green and white marble - which will patinate gracefully over time. Sensitive to its historic location, but forward looking in its use of energy and other resources, the station offers a model for contemporary rail travel."
This was the stuff of science fiction when I was a kid, and now Foster and Partners is making it a reality.
Public Transit 2.0
Florence TAV Station
Trend Themes
1. High-speed Public Transport - High-speed public transportation systems using advanced eco-friendly technology for effective temperature regulation can disrupt traditional transportation systems.
2. Integrating New and Existing Transportation Networks - Integrating new transportation systems, such as underground stations and tramlines, with existing railway tracks can improve connectivity and efficiency in public transportation.
3. Sustainable Infrastructure - Designing and constructing modern infrastructure while reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy sources can revolutionize the construction industry.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation Industry - New demands in public transportation systems will shift the focus on high-speed transportation technology development.
2. Construction Industry - Adopting eco-friendly technology in infrastructure construction and design can create a sustainable environment for the future.
3. Renewable Energy Industry - Incorporating photovoltaic cells into constructions like train stations can help increase the usage of renewable energy.