Station C: A Theatrical Train Station Integration

Creating a Seamless Connection Between Town and Station

The design for Station C proposes to create a train station that seamlessly integrates with the local townscape, resembling a theater stage. The first floor is designed with highly transparent materials to prevent any visual barriers, creating an open and inviting atmosphere between the plaza and the station. Along with the waiting area for trains, buses, and cars, the station also features a community center, offering a unique view of the sea, mountains, and townscape all in one.

One of the unique properties of this design is the use of boat builder skills, for which the city is famous, in the construction of the community center on the second floor. The skilled method of using wooden boards in a spiral cylindrical form not only adds a visually striking element to the design but also provides an opportunity to train a new generation of skilled workers.

The Station C project was completed in September 2003 and was published in "Competition architecture" by BRAUN PUBLISHING in 2009. The design team, led by TERUO MIYAHARA, included Naomichi Kurata, Shinya Kaneko, Koshi Yasuda, and Fumitaka Takagi. The design received the Iron A' Design Award in 2017, recognizing its well-designed, practical, and innovative characteristics that meet professional and industrial requirements.

TERUO MIYAHARA's vision for Station C goes beyond a typical train station. By integrating the station with the town and creating a space that is both functional and visually appealing, this design sets a new standard for train station architecture. It not only serves as a transportation hub but also as a cultural and social center for the community.