...In with the new.

After going to the site last week and looking more closely at the surroundings and the existing structure, I started to model the existing platform and rigid steel structure. The structure is basically a ridged frame with a corrugated steel roof and aluminum framed windows on the side for lateral stability.

From there I started figuring out the section. I considered reusing the existing vertical steel members as a ‘recycling’ aspect to my design approach. For the new structure I wanted something that of a steel beam that would arch over the station of the platform. The cross-section of the beam would be similar to an I-beam with exaggerated wide-flanges. The flange would taper in the middle of the station while being wider near the base to more or less hide the highway like concrete structure underneath.

The first section I did had the beams that were over the tracks on a pin-connection on the platform and connected in the middle with a double-hinge to the centre skylight. The concept with this was a train would enter the station and the air pressure exerted within the station would push this member up, open the hinge, and let air escape. However I noticed that the air pressure from the subway train didn’t seem adequate enough to move this structure in order for the pin connection to move. As well there was the other issue of what material to use between these members.

After talking to Doc. Hui, He suggested something of a smaller scale, and less structural solution to emphasize the air pressure and the travel of the train through the station. Some type of ‘wind flap’ that would be pushed from inside the station and continue out to the exterior.

For the form, I did not want to have some plain rectangular form, so I looked to the surroundings and around the station are maple trees, with these maple seed; ‘helicopter seeds’.

The way these seeds fly through the air, its form I thought was fitting for this application. As well, the way it would be laid out in the station is in some form of wave formation when these flaps are at a standstill.

Connection members and a revised beam layout will be posted soon…