
Canary Wharf Underground Station - Jubilee Plaza, Isle of Dogs, London, UK
N 51° 30.219 W 000° 01.180
30U E 706835 N 5710046
Canary Wharf underground station serves the Jubilee Line that extends from Stratford in the east to Stanmore in the west. The station has many entrances with the given co-ordinates being for one of them.
Waymark Code: WMGAJY
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 02/06/2013
Views: 10
The Architecture website [visit
link] tells us:
"The Jubilee Line Extension was one
of the triumphs of British engineering and architecture of the late twentieth
century. Accompanying the regeneration of the London Docklands, it opened up
huge swathes of south and east London for redevelopment. The architecture and
planning of Docklands have been much criticised. Most, however, agree that
aesthetically and functionally the Jubilee Line is a great
success.
Each station on the line is
striking, but perhaps the most impressive is Canary Wharf (1991-99). Designed to
allow access to the vast office and commercial development there, its scale is
phenomenal. Unlike most other tube stations, for once, space was available.
Thus, rather than being hidden deep beneath other buildings, above this can be
found landscaped gardens and great glass canopies, lighting the station
beneath.
Users are met with light, spacious
interiors. The architecture is restrained: smooth grey concrete and cool steel
dominate. The glass melts into the concrete vaulting
Below, the sleek, shiny escalators
take centre stage, carrying many thousands daily. Who would think that this was
once a busy dock, the new station walls holding back the might of both earth and
water?"
The National rchives website [visit
link] additionally tells us:
"Built
entirely underground, Canary Wharf Underground Station uses a simple layout and
dramatic design features to create a highly usable and durable space. Designed
by Foster & Partners.
Canary Wharf Underground Station is
built in a hollow of the former West India Dock. It is intensively used, with
more peak time travellers than those using Oxford Circus.Constructed using
'cut-and-cover' techniques, the station itself is entirely underground. The only
elements of the building that are visible externally are the vaulted glass
canopies above the entrances. The roof of the station - the building's 'lid' -
has been landscaped as a public park, with grass, trees, seating, fountains and
paths. On entering the station concourse from either the platforms or from
surface level at Canary Wharf, the large size of this space makes a notable
impact.
Internally, the station's scale is
monumental. However, effective organisation of the space and clear design,
including good lighting, create a reassuring passenger experience within the
space.
The building is commended for its
clarity, simplicity, spatial quality and memorable
image."