Dezeen Magazine

Flinders Street Station by Zaha Hadid Architects and BVN Architecture

Zaha Hadid and Herzog & de Meuron shortlisted for Melbourne station overhaul

News: Herzog & de Meuron, Zaha Hadid and Grimshaw are among the shortlisted architects in a competition to overhaul Melbourne's iconic nineteenth-century railway station at Flinders Street.

Flinders Street Station by Zaha Hadid Architects and BVN Architecture
Above and top: Flinders Street Station by Zaha Hadid Architects and BVN Architecture

Six international teams have been named on the shortlist for the $1 million redesign, which will see the modernisation of Melbourne's busiest station and its surrounding spaces, as well as the restoration of the building's period features.

Flinders Street Station by Hassell + Herzog & de Meuron
Flinders Street Station by Hassell and Herzog & de Meuron

Herzog & de Meuron has teamed up with Australian firm Hassell to propose a new barrel-vaulted roof for the station, while Zaha Hadid Architects is working with BVN Architecture on designs for a towering extension with a new boutique hotel.

Flinders Street Station by Hassell + Herzog & de Meuron
Flinders Street Station by Hassell and Herzog & de Meuron

UK firm Grimshaw and Australian studio John Wardle Architects have presented plans to reorientate the station, creating a network of bridges, underpasses, vaults and green space.

Flinders Street Station by NH Architecture
Flinders Street Station by NH Architecture

They face competition from local firm NH Architecture, which plans to create a new landmark by floating a glass lattice roof above the station's additional concourses.

Flinders Street Station by NH Architecture
Flinders Street Station by NH Architecture

The shortlist is completed by ARM Architecture, who propose converting the old building into a school, and a team made up of Colombian architects Eduardo Velasquez, Manuel Pineda and Santiago Medina, with designs to add a garden over the roof.

Flinders Street Station by John Wardle Architects and Grimshaw
Flinders Street Station by John Wardle Architects and Grimshaw

Each of the proposals retains part of the station's historic facade. Completed in 1909, over 50 years after the station opened, its prominent dome and clock tower have become one of the city's most recognisable landmarks.

Flinders Street Station by Eduardo Velasquez, Manuel Pineda and Santiago Medina
Flinders Street Station by Eduardo Velasquez, Manuel Pineda and Santiago Medina

The Victorian Government has launched a website presenting all six proposals and is inviting the public to offer feedback and vote for their favourite. The final decision will be made by a panel of architects and experts, and will be announced on 8 August.

Flinders Street Station by ARM Architecture
Flinders Street Station by ARM Architecture

Another recent design competition called for architects to present a vision for the future of Grand Central Station in New York. See proposals by SOM, Foster + Partners and WXY Architecture »

See more station design »