Taipei terminal rail station : casting an urban gateway

Abstract

Access is a key issue in the design of railway stations. The evolution of the train station typology, has resulted in many types of stations based on the development of the stations' access. Since rail travel on a larger scale is a system of access between cities, it is important to look at the rail station as a key component to the entire rail system. Rail transportation is a primary means of entering the heart of the city. Unlike other forms of transportation such as air travel, the ability for the train to enter the center of the city and interact with the city provides an opportunity to create a dialogue with the people of the city and to create a gateway for the city. The understanding of the station as a gateway and a civic gathering place within the city, must be acknowledged through the development of a reference plane, vertically as well as horizontally. The vehicle for my explorations -- the Taipei North Gate Rail Station -- hopefully will allow me to further examine these issues, and propose a solution for the city's transportation hub.