The Future of Station Design conference made its debut last year showcasing champions of rail, inspiring design, retail, engineering and construction.
This year’s format focuses on workshops and delegate participation. Held at the German Gymnasium in King’s Cross on 16th May 2011, the conference will overlook the construction project at King’s Cross Station.
The stunning venue will include exhibitions and models about the re-development of the King’s Cross area, reports James Fitzgerald.
2011’s conference will cover three main areas:
1) The Future of Station Management
2) Continental Connections and
3) Retail in Rail.
The impact retail and leisure operations have on design and implementation of new and existing stations will be examined in detail. Each workshop will include six panel members and a chairperson.
The conference will look at technological and construction advances being made in modern station design. It will also highlight 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 guarantees a productive debate from the workshops, panels and speakers. Speakers include: 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 talking 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 awards 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. Says Bill Murray Director of FOSD, ‘We are proud of the success of the 2010 conference, and we are looking forward to continuing the businesses partnerships already formed.
‘I am 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 in Lille on 6th April. More info : contact [email protected] or call 01273 204200.
