Are stations boring?
They needn’t be and if they serve their primary function of being places to catch or leave your train and they do that well, and if they can also look attractive and serve other functions too, shouldn’t they?
Here are some great examples of good design, perhaps some ‘statements’ in their look but then why not?
Entrance to Xinbeitou station.
The space beneath the platforms and tracks has been put to good use here at Xinbeitou. The ticket office and station facilities as well as retail and commercial space has been provided. In this way the transport provider can earn rental income from the premises. An excellent way of maximising on the investment.
Side view of Xinbeitou MRT station. Note the length of the station. This is currently the terminus of a one station branch line. Impressive.
Beitou platform level. There is an airy feel with the use of glass that protect customers from the elements. You can see the hills in the distance towards the hot springs we saw earlier.
This is the entrance to Qilian station on the Tamsui-Xinyi line.
The railway tracks are above on each side of the central platforms beneath the ornate curved roof. The ticket office and station facilities are also beneath the platforms. There is a feeling of space and airiness around this station.