Tianjin High Speed Rail Station

Located east of Beijing in the city of Tianjin, the Tanggu district is planned as a modern city for approximately 15 million inhabitants. China’s premier long-range, high-speed rail line – a train capable of traveling in speed of upwards of 400 kilometers per hour – terminates in Tanggu at this station. The rail station situated within a large 22 hectare park, acts as an intermodal hub serving over 6,000 passengers in the peak hours and will allow transfers between rail, subway and bus lines. The station’s roof is based on lenticular lines that define the path of load along the surface of the building, while its shape is related to growth patterns found in nature. Since the bulk of the station facilities are below grade, high-performance skylights were created to allow light to filter down to the platform level which is 21 meters below grade. The skylights are fitted with louvers which are angled to limit direct sunlight during summer months and enhance daylight during the winter. Since stations in China are not normally air conditioned, additional sustainable strategies were also necessary, including a ground source heat pump, bioswale, and thermal chimneys.