Alicante Intermodal Station

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Beginning. The reason of the realization of this project is the firm plans of the city of Alicante (Spain) to change the current train station, whose tracks divide the city in two parts, and turn it into a new underground one. The project wants to transform this area into a big central green area which will change the city's face.

Simbiosis. The park generates the station and the station generates the park. The project's main objective is to make two complete opposite urban elements, not only coexist but mutually enrich each other.  The connection between them is established through a system of skylights that allow bi-directional vision and recognition.

Skylights. They have a dual function. The first one is to provide to the underground station as much light as possible, making this area a pleasant, airy and bright one, without resorting to artificial systems. The discontinuous distribution generates a rhythm that combined with the arrangement of the structure, it organizes the space. The second function is to achieve integration with the park.  An artificial topography of parallel stripes is generated, alternating horizontal bands (opaque) and undulating stripes (transparent).

The rhythm of slots ordering the station is the same as the one ordering the park. Thus, the skylights become the linker between both elements, since the park is seen from the station and the station is seen from the park.

This connection through the skylights continues once daylight disappears, but at this point, the process is reversed; the undulating stripes shed the station's artificial light to the horizontal bands of the park.

Central core. The station program focuses on a central point. It is order in a way that all types of transports (train, bus, subway, taxi, car and bike) coexist and converge at that point, generating a large underground square from which transport interchange. The square becomes the main entrance of the station, emphasized by a great light shaft that makes the entrance recognizable from any part of it.

The attractive power of this space makes it the only element that stands out above the park; it is a cylindrical building that rises above the main square whose interior has been emptied in order to multiply the theatricality of light in this unique area. Offices, which complement the functional program of the station, are placed in this area; these offices are organized with excellent views over the park and the artificial topography. The ground floor is released in order to facilitate access to the great square, and the large light shaft is covered by a light structure of metal and glass that allows lighting regardless of the weather.