BIG has recently unveiled the latest design for the Westerros Travel Center, a visionary project that integrates multiple modes of transportation within a single building. The centerpiece is a lightweight, undulating roof that seamlessly connects various functional areas, establishing a new landmark in the Swedish city of Westerros.
The architects have thoughtfully organized diverse transportation-related functions under this iconic roof. These include car terminals, travel services, bicycle garages, outdoor bike parking, taxi waiting zones, retail spaces, restaurants, offices, and areas for events and exhibitions.
The project is designed to cater to both fast-paced commuters and those who prefer a more leisurely visit, balancing efficiency with comfort.
“We use the lightweight element of ‘a roof’ to bring travelers together,
Creating a dialogue between the travel center and the surrounding urban fabric.
We invite, gather, and protect every commuter who passes through.
The streamline is the core of the Westerros Travel Center — it represents not only the flow of traffic and commuter paths but also a fast track for locals to travel between cities.”
— BIG Architecture Firm
The building’s raised roof corner marks the entrance to the travel center. Its zigzag roofline aligns with the surrounding column grid, freeing up internal space for flexible use.
Additional cuts in the roof structure allow natural light and ventilation to permeate the interior, creating a transparent and open environment that blurs the boundary between inside and outside.
A series of steps connects the travel center to the urban fabric around it, offering citizens a fresh and inviting space to meet and gather.
Separate pedestrian and bicycle lanes have been designed to ensure smooth transit for commuters moving between different transport modes.
“The Westerros Travel Center has created a continuous and unified urban landscape beneath a single roof, serving as a social infrastructure that bridges commuter flows and local life.
Our goal is to design a welcoming, warm, and transparent transportation hub that addresses socio-economic needs while redefining the future of urban infrastructure.”
— Bjarke Ingels
△ Design Process Diagram
The iconic roof of the travel center will incorporate solar energy systems, which are expected to cover 70% of the building’s energy needs.
△ Roof Structure Analysis Diagram
Additionally, the project features underfloor heating and cooling systems, as well as rainwater harvesting facilities, reflecting a commitment to contemporary sustainable design principles. Construction is slated to begin in 2022, with completion targeted for 2025.
△ Functional Zoning
Technical Drawings
△ Design Process Diagram
Project Information
Project Area: 16,963 square meters
Client: Westerros Municipal Government
Project Collaboration: Tyrens (Structural and Geotechnical Engineering), Kragh & Berglund (Landscape Design), Rambøll (Project Management & Sustainable Design Coordination), Sweco Architects AB (Local Coordination Architects), VAP (Traffic Planner), Afry (Electrical), Brandprojektering AB (Fire Safety Consultant), Kadesjö (Ventilation Design Consultant), PQ Projektledning AB (Cable Management Consultant), Structor Riskbyrån AB (Risk Management), WSP (Cost Estimation)
Project Leaders: Bjarke Ingels, David Zahle
Project Management: Kamilla Heskje
Design Director: Marie Lancon
Design Team: Aileen Koh, Allen Dennis Shakir, Anders Bruntse, Anders Holden Deleuran, Dalma Ujvari, Federica Fogazzi, Geetika Bhutani, Ida Linnea Elvira Maria Lujak, Laura Wätte, Marius Tromholt-Richter, Yunus Alperen Basak
BIG Engineers: Indoom Climate; Jesper Kanstrup Petersen (BIG E), Natasha Lykke Lademann Østergaard (BIG E)
Competition Stage:
Design Director: Kamilla Heskje
Design Team: Oscar Abrahamsson, Nicolas Millot, Camila Luise de Andrade Stadler, Gwendoline Eveillard, Franck Fdida, Giedrius Mamavicius, Andre Enrico Cassettari Zanolla, Camila Luise de Andrade Stadler, Cristian Teodor Fratila, Geoffrey Eberle, Ioana Fartadi Scurtu, Ipek Akin, Johan Bergström, Laurine Louisette Marie Alard, Luca Pileri, Magnus Garvoll, Malgorzata Mutkowska, Margarida Jéronimo, Martino Hutz, Megan Fiona Cumming, Ola Sobczyk, Ovidiu Munteanu, Peter Mortensen, Rasam Aminzadeh, Rihards Dzelme, Shin Saeki, Sofia Fors Adolfsson, Tyrone James Cobcroft, Yu Xun Zhang
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