Opportunity to Save Historical Railway Infrastructure _ Adaptation and Functional Conversion of Facilities

World Multidisciplinary Civil Engineering-Architecture-Urban Planning Symposium - WMCAUS

土木建筑工程

Podwojewska, Magdalena^1

Gdask University of Technology, G. Narutowicza 11/12, Gdask

80-233, Poland^1

关键词: Adaptation of buildings;    Architectural structure;    Commercial services;    Railway infrastructure;    Technical facility;    Technological change;    Technological development;    Transformation process;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/245/8/082031/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1757-899X/245/8/082031

学科分类：土木及结构工程学

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

After years of neglect and underinvestment, the Polish railways are now witnessing a rapid modernization of both their technical facilities and rolling stock. However, this is true only of the main railway lines connecting major urban complexes. It is worth pointing out that a great number of secondary lines, railway stations and halts still has not been covered by the transformation process. Railway facilities, warehouses and service features are in decay. Rapid technological developments have caused numerous architectural structures of historical interest and service features to fall out of use. There are historical railway facilities dating back to the late 19thor early 20thcenturies, whose condition is constantly deteriorating. The only way to save these structures is to change the manner, in which they are being used, and attract new investors and operators. The adaptation of buildings may be carried out in a number of ways by following different strategies. The process depends on the structure's current condition and significance for the railway network. The facilities which are disused as a result of technological changes in the rolling stock and infrastructure include workshops, steam locomotive bays, turntables and warehouses. Their size and location within a city make them a perfect place for commercial services, exhibitions, heritage sites, concerts and other events attracting great numbers of people. Other strategies may be used for constructions located next to railways lines, whose role has declined. Such constructions include small railway stations, warehouses, reloading and forwarding facilities, railway ramps, railway staff buildings as well as residences for railway employees. Railway stations located at large junctions can handle passenger traffic or freight loading operations. As well as acting as the only window to the world, railway stations in small towns housed all the services available in the place. At the same time, they served as meeting spots, community centres and places of particular social importance. Therefore, successful renewal requires adaptation and functional conversion in order to cater to the needs of the inhabitants and visiting travellers. Such activities should focus on architectural, social and economic spaces. This paper presents small railway stations of historical value with a view to their adaptive potential, as well as examples of completed adaptation projects.