Crossrail, Whitechapel Station - Urban Study
The new Crossrail development aims to create a fast and efficient connection across the East-West axis of London, to cut journey times and increase traveller capacity. The proposed Whitechapel station is one of the few central stations to incorporate a significant stand alone, above the ground development with a brand new ticket hall building. Stations such as Whitechapel sit in historic contexts and need to be studied for circulation, activity and visual impact on their neighbourhoods.
Aedas undertook a detailed study the urban context of the proposed Crossrail station in Whitechapel, for which the Computational Design & Research group provided analysis of the four proposed designs focussing on two methods ‘Accessibility and Movement’ and ‘Visibility’, which are described in context below.
Accessibility and Movement
Routes to the station from the surrounding area were calculated by both shortest metric distances and simplest access routes (minimum angular turns). While local residents may use shortest metric routes, visitors and tourists are more likely to use simplest access routes. The analysis was used to compare options for positioning of the station entrance, and crossing positions on the main road.
Visibility
The visual sampling in 3D provides evidence for elements in an urban and architectural context that are well visible during a journey and therefore become significant during way-finding. Elevations and locations that are well visible increase in rental retail importance and serve as orientation and support to users.
01. Shortest distance paths
02. 'Simplest' paths: paths with least angle turned through
03. Site context and shortest distance paths
04. Map of visibility from paths, pedestrian connectivity approaching the station
05. Image examining the impact of the new station on the neighbourhood - view 1
06. Image examining the impact of the new station on the neighbourhood - view 2
