The Sunderland Station redevelopment scheme designed by British firm Sadler Brown Architecture was commissioned by Network Rail and Nexus. Sunderland Council leader Paul Watson launched a unique new light artwork on 13 September 2010, marking the completion of the modernisation of Sunderland station’s platforms.
The redeveloped station currently features ‘FOUND’ – a photo essay of 41 images sited within the brick bays of the 120m wall that faces platforms 1 and 2, by renowned British photographer Julian Germain. The still-life images depict objects retrieved from the lost property office and placed back in the environment of the Metro network. It was part of station’s public art display scheme implemented by Sadler Brown. FOUND is permanently sited at Sunderland Station.
International artist Jason Bruges Studios has created an animated ‘light wall’ on the west wall of the station. It centres on a ‘hidden’ platform that was formerly used by the post office, offering passengers an imaginative insight into the station’s history.
A glass block wall casing the platform is designed to function as simplified pixel video screen. It reveals the station’s past by projecting lights that exposes movement and give the illusion that people are boarding trains arriving at the station.
Sadler Brown Architecture has designed, managed and implemented a concept that help in increasing the amount of light reaching the underground station. The refurbishment of the station also includes new escalators. Adding suspended ceilings, installing heated waiting areas and improving access have been key components of the overall design.
Global design practice Arup’s Newcastle office supervised the work and provided project management, coordinated and led the design work for the station, working with sub-consultant architects at Sadler Brown and cost consultants at Gardiner & Theobald.
