Ben
fotopic... whats that?
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Post by Ben on Apr 18, 2010 1:15:07 GMT
Managed to take a look at the lengthening works going on at Baker Street some time last week. Of course, necessary, so well done for finding a way to do that at such a cramped location.
What irks me is that the plan for redevelopement of the Met line platforms is so unnecessarily modern and grey. For example there were a couple of characterful period (?) lamp standards at the far end of the platforms, which doubtless had to be removed so the platforms could be rollered. But in their place have been put cheap generic aluminium ones, out of keeping with the existing platform style.
Baker Street has to be rebuilt for the amount of congestion it faces, yes, but why can't it be rebuilt in a style thats a pastiche of what currently exists? Surely the Met 1920s style there is an important one historically, and doubtless as its former location as the MRs HQ the work and materials there are going to be top notch and quality. How much does a sheet of aluminium cost in comparison to glazed and ornately bevelled tiling?
Am I a cynic for expecting something lacking of finess, respectful quality and annonymity for the rebuild? Why must it become yet another drab grey box, when it could instead continue to echo its former heydays?
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Post by citysig on Apr 18, 2010 7:59:59 GMT
The works, as you say, are necessary so that we can run the new trains. But this is another example where you have to keep a few things in mind.
First off, platform works are carried out to "modern" standards to comply with all the additional H&S requirements handed to us since the platforms were originally built.
Any "non-standard" fixtures and fittings will need to be maintained for the rest of their lives, and to have each station with a different character would mean stocking spares for all sorts of different items. The network as a whole was (still is) pretty non-standard enough without adding additional items. If a nice period-style lamp was installed and a while later it became defective, imagine the moaning when it takes weeks or months to fix.
And, biggest factor of all, the current climate has meant things must be done as cost-effectively as possible. It was until recently pretty touch-and-go whether any works would/could be carried out and new trains delivered.
I've said it before and I say it again, we have to focus on our core reason for being here, and that is getting people from A to B with modern trains and improved reliability. Whilst I agree with some views that it would be nice to preserve our history, we have to remember why we're here.
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Post by deadmans on Apr 18, 2010 8:13:01 GMT
Managed to take a look at the lengthening works going on at Baker Street some time last week. Of course, necessary, so well done for finding a way to do that at such a cramped location. What irks me is that the plan for redevelopement of the Met line platforms is so unnecessarily modern and grey. For example there were a couple of characterful period (?) lamp standards at the far end of the platforms, which doubtless had to be removed so the platforms could be rollered. But in their place have been put cheap generic aluminium ones, out of keeping with the existing platform style. Baker Street has to be rebuilt for the amount of congestion it faces, yes, but why can't it be rebuilt in a style thats a pastiche of what currently exists? Surely the Met 1920s style there is an important one historically, and doubtless as its former location as the MRs HQ the work and materials there are going to be top notch and quality. How much does a sheet of aluminium cost in comparison to glazed and ornately bevelled tiling? Am I a cynic for expecting something lacking of finess, respectful quality and annonymity for the rebuild? Why must it become yet another drab grey box, when it could instead continue to echo its former heydays? The dreadful grey look is now everywhere. This colour Started out on the Jubliee line extension towards the dome, and just look at Wembley park as well. There is no reason what so ever, why they cannot use a brighter colour, and still meet modern standards. When you see the overall plan for the new look Baker street Met platforms, it quite frankly is awful. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2010 10:20:50 GMT
LU decided under Tim O'Toole for a new corporate image. Thus once the decision has been made - good or bad - that becomes a uniform image. It's largely down to personal taste how this new image contrasts with previous attempts.
Baker Street - as an entire station - has many different images though.
You have the historic Circle/ H&C platforms on Platforms 5&6. You then have the Met Platforms with their distinctively different look. Then head down onto the Bakerloo Line and the style changes again - not forgetting the typical 70's style of the Jubilee Line platforms. The contrast between platforms 7/10 and 5/6 is greater than the Met Platforms.
The new platform extensions at Baker Street are fairly non-obtrusive (IMHO) and don't take too much away from the original look of the Met Platforms. Just image what would've happened if the MIP lift program would've happened.......
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