“A gateway to Derry~Londonderry
and the North West region”
Northern Ireland’s transport operator Translink engaged
Belfast conservation architects Consarc in the regeneration of Derry~Londonderry’s Waterside Railway Station, now the North West Transport Hub. Consarc called upon Tandem to introduce an interpretive interior design scheme that would weave a distinct sense of place into the fabric of the restored heritage building.
The interior scheme was developed to reflect the role of the regions transport heritage in shaping its character, commerce and population.
Derry~Londonderry has been a cultural and trade threshold for centuries, with its port – once a gateway to the world – witnessing immigration and emigration, imports and exports over many years.
The new Transport Hub – where road, rail, cycling and walking meet
– is a continuation this story.
Interior interventions capture the city’s stand-out sights with an abstracted view of the city routered into timber panelling and perforated screens arranged around planters in the concourse. Aspect of the city’s architecture, both old and new, are depicted – representing a rich heritage but also a place with its sights set firmly on a thriving future.
Harnessing local enthusiasm for the city’s railway heritage, the Transport Hub’s north wall, which features a large viewing window onto the platform, depicts aspects of the world famous Derry to Coleraine railway line.
Other interventions reflect the many faces of the city’s past.
Importantly, the design scheme was created with a degree of subtlety so as not to overwhelm the interior space which will be used for special events and community activities as well being the transition space for rail passengers.
Translink took the opportunity to link the Transport Hub via a greenway to Ebrington Square, leading the pedestrian and cyclist to the Peace Bridge over the River Foyle. Together, they create probably the best route into the city on foot or by bike. Attention is draw to exits out onto the greenway by a contemporary bar relief that covers almost the entire east wall.
A signature illustration style, carried across all interior design interventions, brings cohesion to the scheme and helps galvanise
a sense of character into the visitor experience.