Introduction
Rick Mather Architects were one of six leading architectural firms chosen by the RIBA to develop a competitive world class scheme for Oxford Station.
The RIBA jury selected teams because of "their creativity and expertise in the design of high quality transport related buildings and public spaces."
Our scheme worked to simplify a complex engineering challenge into an elegant set of city buildings and structures that contribute to this part of Oxford. Our solution was developed in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team to create an inspiring and innovative scheme that was simultaneously functional and flexible for the future.
The station proposal was organised by a new elegant bridge spanning the tracks, connecting the new platforms with a concourse on both the east and west sides. On the west-side cascading escalators rise to the railway bridge deck and concourse, directly from the square, which offer views across Oxford, both City and new square, on arrival in the city.
The main station entrance and buildings on the east side have a civic quality, and form a sequence of connected spaces north to south, while the station deck and western secondary entrance derive their architectural treatment from a celebration of railway engineering traditionally in iron and steel. The five new platforms are generously proportioned and completely covered by elegant glazed canopies. Shelter and seating is provided along the length of each platform within a new cloister structure.
To the south our plan is to see a seamless connection to the associated efficient interchanges with buses, cars and taxis provided for in a covered and sheltered route. The Becket Street development is further enriched with new mixed use spaces for commercial space and start-up units for SMEs, graduates and small business who can take advantage of the excellent location.
Our designs were displayed in an exhibition at the Castle Quarter and were part of an online consultation process during December 2015.
Client Oxford City Council
Location Oxford
Completion March 2016 - Design Competition
Team
Architects Rick Mather Architects
Structural Engineers Eckersley O'Callaghan
Landscape Architecture Urban Movement
Trasport Advisor Mott Macdonald