I just stepped off the escalator from the Tube and there I was. It will be interesting, then, to see how the external entrance is integrated once the Midland Hotel is finished.
Once inside, my initial thought was that it is a European-looking structure - the mix of the old and new is a bold approach and one too often overlooked in the UK. The split level, in particular, reminds me of Alexanderplatz in Berlin.
The design enhances the Eurostar 'experience' for travellers and onlookers. Being able to see the trains arrive and depart brings the services' ease into focus, giving it an 'everyday' feel. At Waterloo, the separate area for Eurostar made it an airport experience.
I was impressed that shop-front signage has been reduced in size to avoid visual clutter. My only criticism would be that few chances have been taken with the public art. I like The Meeting Place and John Betjeman statues, but the public art lacks the boldness of the rest of the structure.
Overall, though, it is an architectural success and a great asset to London's landscape.
Design: Norman Foster
Chief architect: Alastair Lansley.
_1.jpg)
.jpg)