RIBA’s ( Royal Institute of British Architects) Stirling Prize that typically honors a single exceptional building, has this year, recognized the transformative 62-mile Elizabeth Line network and its 10 sleek new stations. The judges praised its “slick suite of architectural components”, in which “the typical commuter chaos is transformed into an effortless experience”.
Not all passengers will share that view. Some have complained about delays and overcrowding, and three have told they were injured at Ealing Broadway station because the gap between the platform and the trains is too big.
The line, which runs from east to west via central London, opened in 2022 and transports more than 700,000 passengers every weekday.
New station areas were built at Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf, among other locations.
“It is an extraordinarily complex architectural feat masked by an elegant simplicity,” RIBA said.
“The Elizabeth line is a triumph in architect-led collaboration, offering a flawless, efficient, beautifully choreographed solution to inner-city transport,” said Oki Muyiwa, Jury Chair and President, RIBA. Moreover, he said, “It’s an uncluttered canvas that incorporates a slick suite of architectural components to create a consistent, line-wide identity – through which thousands of daily passengers navigate with ease.Descending into the colossal network of tunnels feels like entering a portal to the future, where the typical commuter chaos is transformed into an effortless experience.”
Muyiwa added that it is “architecture of the digital age”, which “utilises cutting-edge technology to create distinctive spatial characteristics and experiences”, and “sets a bold new standard for civic infrastructure”.
Source: bbc.com
