Battersea Power Station- BIG’s inauguration

For quite some time everyone knew that BIG will win the design for a new public square at London’s Battersea Power Station.  It is Ingel’s first project in the UK.   As this is already officially announced, we are looking forward to see what the amazing design will include.

The key spaces of Rafael Viñoly’s 17-hectare master plan will link to the high street at the centre of frank Gehry and Foster + Partner’s proposal.  The available pictures show that the public square design includes a two- level urban canyon with different bridges and stairways. There will also be a road that goes in the middle.  Many Malaysian accents are visible, such as five- petalled fountain shaped like a hibiscus.  To achieve the best results, a variety of materials will be used starting from limestone, granite, marble, sandstone and gravel.

“As an urban canvas of possibilities for cultural expression, where landscape, architecture, urbanism and media design are in complete harmony, the new Malaysia Square lends dignity to the majestic industrial heritage while paving the way for a new Malaysia identity.”

Some critics claim that the whole design does not put the Battersea Station as a main feature. It looks more like the background of an ‘urban canyon’. However, it all depends on one’s personal view. It is possible to look at the station like it was ‘framed’.  Personally, I think the project looks very modern and perhaps its bare nature should blend well with Battersea Station. However, I am not sure if all the high features and bridges will not obstruct the view too much.  As time will pass we will be able to judge it again.

The BIG which stands for Bjarke Ingels Group ( Denmark) which is famous for implementing unconventional solutions such as apartments that one can bike through or power plants that one can ski down on. The latest design are Honeycomb apartments in the Bahamas. Who wouldn’t like to have an apartment with a swimming pool on the balcony? It is an amazing design.

Read more about it here.