Faraz
Train Attendant
While they are very impressive, what is the practicality of making them so tall?
The Bigger shame is how few see it. Mahalo for the pictures.Even the train station at Worcester, Massachusetts is rather impressive.
Shame it only sees two Amtrak trains a day.
Actually, at least in southern climates, the hot air rising is THE reason. When you have high windows that are open and low windows that are open, the heating of the air in the building, whether by sun on the roof or by human bodies inside results in a natural flow of air in the lower windows and out the upper windows. So, in addition to letting the hot air rise and exit, it produces a natural breeze which makes it feel cooler than the actual temperature even when there is no natural wind outside. This is also the reason for transoms in old buildings. Having an openable window above the door allowed the breeze still flow through the building even when you wanted the door closed for privacy or security reasons.Another thing to consider is that most older stations were built in the times before AC, so the high ceilings do allow the hotter air to rise to ceiling level as well as give a less claustrophobic feel.
I'm sure this was not *THE* reason for the high ceilings, but it does likely factor in.
The station can get busy. Worcester is the terminus of the Framingham/Worcester MBTA commuter train. That service brings ten trains a day to Worcester. I'd get on the train at Worcester if the T didn't put a train station in my hometown of Grafton.The Bigger shame is how few see it. Mahalo for the pictures.
Aloha
While I agree with you in general, there are some exceptions. Neglecting some of the more flamboyant international airports like Dubai, Denver International is a remarkable structure that rivals any rail terminal. The main terminal structure, designed by Fentress Bradburn Architects Ltd., is one I always enjoy visiting and walking around. The design is intended to mimic the distant peaks of the Front Range, and when seen from a distance, it does.One other interesting point, train stations seem to be unique among transportation buildings for impressive architecture. How many airports have blown you away for impressive architecture? Not many. The only one that jumps to my mind is the old TWA terminal at Kennedy, and it comes to mind for how funky it is.
Rick
There are/were practical considerations, though, as well; for example, in the grand old stations (let's also not forget L.A., Kansas City, and the old St. Louis depot), did you ever notice where they put the clocks and train/track status boards? Just as in European stations, you can always look up, see above everyone's head, and still know where and when you need to be! And of course, with tall ceilings comes (usually) deeper incursion of natural light. I had to think about all these things in architecture school...
Do you get the feeling of spaciousness when you enter that building?This is the Amtrak station that is closest to where I live.
This is the Amtrak station that is closest to where I live.
South Portsmouth, KY The one in Maysville is about as far from me, too, but I thought this was a neat one to use for the topic.Do you get the feeling of spaciousness when you enter that building?This is the Amtrak station that is closest to where I live.
Is it Ashland or Fulton, KY?
Being a "Senior Citizen", I appreciated your thoughts and comments.I work in a church and we often have this architecture discussion. Ours is a beautiful Gothic structure built, surprisingly, in 1929, as the stock market was crashing. A professor at a local college likes to say the following to his students when they tour our facility...
"Not so long ago, most people lived in small and modest homes and built grand public spaces. Now many Americans live in gigantic homes and build bland, vanilla public spaces." That really made me think... For the most part, what's true of churches is true of post offices, train stations, libraries, etc.
Chicago really reminds me of this... 4th Presbyterian, Central Union Station, the Washington library...they inspire awe. In churches you have the instant realization of how small you are and, hopefully, you gain the understanding of how awesome and boundless God is. We are reminded by these spaces that the world doesn't revolve around us. No individual is the center of the universe.
On a recent trip to Chicago with my 11 and 15 year old sons I pointed out to them the legacy of architecture that was provided for us there... And we all wondered what legacy we are leaving in most of our public (and private) spaces being constructed today...
Wow, is it okay to think that deeply here? Sorry...
Same thing in LA Union Station. When you come in the main front entrance into the station. One or two ceiling overhead were cleaned. Yup, a huge difference between "black" and tan colors.Let you in on a Grand Central Station Secret. When the building was renovated in the late 60's or early 70's the ceiling was cleaned and the dirt was analized. The major component was tabbaco smoke particles!There is a small uncleaned patch left for comparison. Also the star constellations are reversed as seen from earth - a mistake by the painter. Tours of Grand Central are availible from the public relations department of the Metro North (MTA) RR. Don't tell them I told you these secrets, there are more.
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