China is one country that is well ahead of the game when it comes to connecting its cities via high-speed rail, and Tianjin's High Speed Rail Station is just one example of how it often celebrates that infrastructure with fantastic architectural marvels.
Designed by Skidmore Ownings and Merrill, Tianjin's High Speed Rail Station features an elaborate lattice roof that allows light to filter down into its interior in order to create a cheerful and thoroughly modern space. In addition to the buildings ground-source heat pump, the elaborate roof helps warm the building in the winter by directing sunlight into the underground building while also limiting direct exposure.
Tianjin's High Speed Rail Station is designed to house over 6,000 daily commuters, but it is an architectural achievement that will hopefully inspire many more than that.
Lavish Lattice Train Stations
Tianjin's High Speed Rail Station is a Transit Cathedral of Light
Trend Themes
1. Lattice Roofs - Trend towards utilizing lattice roofs for buildings that house large amounts of people creates opportunity for more energy-efficient and modern design approaches.
2. Ground-source Heat Pumps - Growing interest in utilizing ground-source heat pumps as a more sustainable method for regulating temperature in large buildings presents disruptive innovation opportunities for HVAC and construction industries.
3. Transit Architecture - Increased focus on creating architecturally stunning transit stations provides opportunities for collaboration between transportation and architecture industries to elevate the commuting experience.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architecture firms can take advantage of the trend towards more visually striking transit stations and explore innovative materials and design features.
2. Construction - Construction companies that specialize in large public buildings can innovate by incorporating more sustainable and energy-efficient technologies like ground-source heat pumps.
3. HVAC - HVAC technology companies can explore new ways to integrate ground-source heat pumps into their systems to meet growing demand for more eco-friendly and cost-effective heating and cooling options.