Paya Lebar Mass Rapid Transport Interchange Station

Circle Line - Paya Lebar Interchange Station Singapore General description Paya Lebar Interchange Station is located where the existing East-West Line (EWL) and new Circle Line MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train lines cross each other. This forms the heart of a high-density growth point called the Paya Lebar Sub-regional Centre. The new Circle Line Station is located under Paya Lebar Road, at the west end of the existing station. It is Singapore’s first interchange that links an above-ground station with a below-ground station. It is also Singapore’s first underground 3-track, 2-platform station, which enables it to provide for shuttle services. Design Process Paya Lebar Interchange Station was designed by an In-House team from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), in conjunction with specialists and Line-wide systems consultants. Early planning was done in the late 1990’s, design was completed in the mid 2000’s and construction was completed in 2010. Full commuter operations commenced soon thereafter. It was decided that this station, as an important interchange station and focal point in the Paya Lebar Sub-Regional Centre, should showcase the Land Transport Authority’s commitment to people-centered design excellence. Shuttle Service Station Paya Lebar is a 3-track station, as it supports a shuttle service that operates between it and Bishan Station, to alleviate congestion during peak hours. This results in the unusual 3-track, 2-platform design. The additional station box width requires additional structural supports for the station roof, which is articulated in the sculptural Y-columns. The roof of the central trackway also functions as a linkbridge to the handicap lifts. Transfers between 2 Lines Station Planning was first and foremost centered on the commuter experience. The main challenge was to create a seamless transfer between the new platform, which is 2 levels below grade, and the existing station, which is 2 levels above grade. The legibility of the transfer links was a major consideration, as the commuter traffic is expected to be very heavy. The circulation therefore had to be clear, direct, intuitive and generous. Multi-Modal Interchange The station serves as a multi-modal interchange, with many bus stops and taxi/Handicap drop-off areas located within close proximity. All these facilities are seamlessly linked via covered walkways to the station, and provide protection from the sun and frequent rainstorms General Architectural Design Considerations Stations, as major generators and collectors of pedestrian/commuter traffic, traditionally play a strong civic role, and it was therefore decided that it should have a strong civic presence expressed in both the external form, as well as in the internal spaces and volumes. The design intends to create value and a good experience for all users, thereby giving a true heart to the Paya Lebar Sub-regional Centre. Experience of existing stations is often anonymous, dreary & characterless, making orientation and spatial referencing difficult. A design objective was to make each aspect of the commuter’s movement through the station a unique, distinctive & memorable experience. Surface structures The assembly of new surface structures is relatively modest and low-key, and is intended to act as a foil, or backdrop, to the distinctive curvilinear roof form of the existing station. By maintaining the clarity and purity of this strong form, the visual identity and urban pre eminence of the Station is maintained. The new surface structures form a composition of light pavilions, perched on robust bases. The surface structures were designed to be light and transparent, allowing commuters to have visual link to the adjacent urban surroundings and planting. The sunscreens, together with the planting, evoke the dappled light/shadow effect as experienced in the indigenous jungle. The transparent external envelope allows diffused natural light to penetrate into the deeper levels. The entrance & linkway pavilions are relatively high and voluminous, which allows commuters to experience an airy and spacious feel which mitigates the claustrophobic feelings often experienced by commuters because of crowding & heavy human traffic. All the ventilation shafts are concealed within recessed landscape elements, avoiding any blocking of view lines. Interior The width of the station box necessitated internal structural columns, which were located so as to most efficiently transfer loads, and to minimize the impact at platform level. This created the opportunity for a robust engineering solution that is articulated in a highly sculptural manner. The unfinished structure reinforces the honesty in this expression. The idea was to reflect, in built form, the dynamic tension between “movement” representing commuters, trains, buses, taxi’s, cars, escalators, lifts etc and the ‘static’, which is the earth from which the station is carved, as well as the heavy infrastructure. This idea is encapsulated in the overall form, spaces, materials, details, texture, lighting and colour palette. Dynamicism in the design was achieved through the use of opposites; Straight vs. oblique; Light versus dark; Monochrome vs. colourful; smooth vs. textured; robust vs. delicate; Heavy versus light. Etc. Angled planes and surfaces are juxtaposed with the flat & straight surfaces Rough textured stone cladding, used on outer walls, represent the earth from which the station has been hewn. The smooth, highly finished, stainless steel walls, used on inner face wall, represent the man-made insertions. The overall colour palette is restrained, with shades of grey dominating. The red mosaic walls forms a stark & dynamic contrast. Lighting was very carefully considered to be both functional, as well as to highlight special features. Artwork was located at the focal point that terminates the strong linear axis that extends through the length of station. Buildability Throughout the design process, ease of coordination and buildability was considered, through the consistent use of modular dimensions and standardized components. Handicap Accessibility Recognizing that society is changing and evolving, the needs of non-conventional user groups had to be addressed. The features incorporated into the design so as to address these needs have resulted in the station being awarded Silver by the Building and Construction Authority for the BCA Universal Design Award for Built Environment 2011.