London Underground (LU), Transport for London and Studio Egret West have unveiled a new design for the capital’s 270 Tube stations.
LU spent 18 months working with architect to develop the Idiom document, which provides guidelines on how to create "ordered, comfortable, accessible stations that are integrated with commercial and community uses".
According to the authors, the approach can be applied to any style of station and any size of project, from small-scale repairs to new build. In addition, each existing building has been categorised by its architectural type, with "flashcards" setting out its materials, colour palettes and unique features.
LU notes that "great station design goes beyond functionality alone, it also inherently guides users on their journeys, lifts moods, and creates an experience that is welcoming, uplifting, and inspiring".
Idiom will also transform how customers navigate stations, and a fresh approach to lighting is intended to guide customers intuitively through the station environment.
Sustainability is also an important consideration, with materials chosen that are responsibly sourced and that "wear in rather than wear out". This also reduces long-term costs and unnecessary use of materials.
Gareth Powell, London Underground’s director of strategy and service development, said: "Our stations are important public spaces for our customers to enjoy, our staff to work in and as a defining part of what makes London great. Idiom is about ensuring we put great design at the heart of what we do for now and the future."
The innovation of the Idiom has been recognised in the 2015 London Design Awards and was awarded a Gold award for Proposed Architecture.
Images via The London Design Awards
