Most London Underground stations often feel claustrophobic, and are known for their harsh artificial lighting. However, there is one station that stands out as a beacon of light – literally – thanks to its futuristic design that lets natural light reach the platform, 10 meters below ground.
Opened in 1999, Bermondsey station was designed by Ian Ritchie Architects with a futuristic vision in mind. The station’s architecture prioritises natural light, using clever engineering and materials to create an open and welcoming environment.
At street level, the station greets passengers with a curved glass roof that invites sunlight in. Large translucent walls surround the entrance, also making this space feel brighter.
The entrance of the station seems wider because of the amount of natural light it gets
(Image: MyLondon)
The glass roof continues down to the escalators, turning into a high ceiling that carries this sense of openness down to the platform. While on the escalators, you’ll notice latticed concrete beams strategically placed.
These beams, along with openings in the structure, guide sunlight further underground, creating an airy atmosphere. The light interacts with reflective materials, like these perforated stainless steel beams that support the roof.
These surfaces create shadows and patterns that make the natural light reach platform level. Even some direct rays of sunlight manage to filter down.
The light reaches platform level thanks to the high ceiling above the escalators
(Image: MyLondon)
This clever use of light not only brightens the space but also helps to reduce the tension associated with deep-level Tube stations.
The station’s durable materials – glass, stainless steel, and concrete – were also chosen for their ability to maintain the modern and polished look over time. That is similar to all the 11 stations that were added to the Jubilee Line in 1999.
Fun fact, the station was originally planned to have a multi-storey office building constructed above it. While that plan never came to fruition, Bermondsey’s design remains impressive, redefining what an underground station can look like.
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