Situation
The Railway station in Matara is a significant destination end point in the coastal railway line of Sri Lanka. Majority reach Matara to experience its historical and architectural character derived from its rich past dating back centuries. The lack of interaction between two major transportation modes has threatened to isolate the railway station, which is located away from the city centre. Although the railway station is easily accessible from the main roads, the adjacent area lacks activities that will help liven the atmosphere and prevent the station from becoming completely abandoned until the arrival or departure of the next train.
Site Analysis
Assuming that the coastal railway line will extend up to Katharagama, it will lead to Matara becoming a modern regional city centre with technological and infrastructural development. Given that the surrounding environment is redesigned to complement the function of the railway station, the main access point of the railway station increases permeability of the area through connecting the various amenities. Proposal of the Bus Terminal at the starting point of the Station Road strengthens the connection between the two transportation modes. And also pedestrianizing the Station Road will increase the walkability of the area allowing greater opportunity for activities to develop along that road.
Design
With the development of new technology, the form and shape of the train has been moderated to maintain the high speed. Furthermore, trains have become more lightweight than previous models. The transformation of these aspects, namely speed and the weight of the train, has served as inspiration to achieve the same dynamic quality through the building.
The building is designed, incorporating different levels to achieve the aspect of progression and also to allow people to experience the building form as well. Levels are placed in a hierarchical order according to people’s activity patterns. The entry level unites all levels together whilst the double height space at the middle and the wide flight of steps increase the spaciousness of the building, where there is most activity, enhancing the mobility of the crowd. Lightweight roof structure using appropriate materials tries to enhance the idea of sustainability and adds to the openness of the design. Overall it can be said that the design makes an effort to symbolize the current technological advances pertaining to its era and to act as a catalyst to revitalize the surrounding areas.
