The Future of Station Design conference debuted last year and was created to showcase champions of rail, inspiring design, retail, engineering and construction.
This year’s format focuses on workshops and delegate participation, which sets it apart from other Rail conferences, aiming to raise the bar for future decisions in rail.
Held at the German Gymnasium in King’s Cross on 16th May 2011, the conference will overlook the ongoing construction of the King’s Cross Station. The stunning venue includes exhibitions and models about the re-development of the King’s Cross area.
After last year’s success FOSD have continued to provide networking and social opportunities to maintain the good work and theme from the 2010 conference. This year is no exception as FOSD launches its conference programme in Lille taking selected delegates to experience the SIFER 2011 exhibition. This forum will provide a unique opportunity to network with key characters in both the UK industries and continental influences.
FOSD aims to use information garnered from the Continental Connections networking event in Lille on 6th April in the main conference within the workshop “Continental Connections” and indeed other themes throughout the UK conference.
This year’s conference themes include a review of key challenges to the 2010 Conference, the future of TOC Station management, Continental Connections and Retail in Rail. The examination of the impact that retail and leisure operations have on the design and implementation of both new build and existing interchanges is a fundamental discussion point. Each workshop will include six panel members and a chair which opens the floor to push the boundaries of its rivals.
The conference will examine and discuss technological and construction advances being made in modern station design. It will also embrace the systems and hardware that facilitate easier, safer and more enjoyable rail travel. Taking an analytical look at the retail and leisure offer that stations now provide FOSD are hugely excited about this year’s forum and expect a productive debate from the workshops, panels and speakers.
There will also be key speakers and FOSD are introducing Gavin McKechnie Head of Retail from Network Rail who will discuss the integration of the retail and leisure offer in our stations throughout the UK. Anthony Smith Chief Executive of Passenger Focus will be taking the approach of creating the ultimate station experience for all passengers. Julian Maynard, Principle Designer, Grimshaw, will be speaking on creating and formulating the design of stations that truly embrace the future.
The Future of Station Design 2011 conference will close with a triumphant award ceremony giving recognition to some outstanding individuals.
There are four prestigious awards which will be given to those members of the industry who have displayed exceptional prowess in their chosen fields. Each award will be presented by a leading figure within the station design sector.
The awards will form part of an annual campaign to honour the remarkable achievements of designers and engineers who have shown outstanding commitment. The nominees will thus be considered for an award by the FOSD committee chaired by Station Champion, Chris Green. The aim of these awards is to provide a platform to demonstrate that the UK is at the forefront of station design, engineering and retail.
Bill Murray Director of FOSD said: “We are proud of the success of the 2010 conference, and we are looking forward to continuing the businesses partnerships already formed. I’m thrilled to bring such a fantastic team together to develop the growing potential of ‘The Future of Station Design.’ The support of the committee and our sponsors has enabled the conference and its ancillary events to grow in stature and reputation. We will continue to strive to make all delegates part of the project and help UK railway stations realise their potential.”
There are currently limited seats available on the ‘Continental Connections’ networking event on 6th April and if you would like to be involved in this exclusive opportunity you can call or email on the contact details as below.
Delegate seats are selling fast so to secure your place go to the website to book.
