Aldwych Centre. Reuse of abandoned underground station in London

The Underground, public transport network in London, is the oldest and one of the biggest metro systems in the World. During its 150 years long history it has truly become part of Londoners, their lifestyle, it has entered their history, culture and tradition. Beside 270 stations that are operating at present, there are also around 40 disused stations that has been built fully or partly, put in function or not. The main objective of thesis was to explore and understand phenomenon of these hidden places, by mapping them, examine their current conditions, physical and sociological potential for the city, its residents and visitors, and to offer design proposal for its reuse. Location visits, conversation with Londoners and tourists, surveys and following analysis have leaded to the program that was a frame for the architectonic project. Urban exploration has been defined as primary discipline of Aldwych Centre, making possible for the first time to perceive all aspects of urban exploration at one place, bringing the discipline closer to wider public. The following design proposal is an attempt to preserve authentic atmosphere of an old underground station, emphasizing its original structure and materials on the one hand, and combining them with innovative technical solutions on the other. Result is revival of all station’s areas at ground level, basement and platform levels, but also enabling access to spaces like two never used lift shafts for the first time. This thesis contains analytical and theoretical material as well as proposed design on reuse of abandoned underground stations that can possibly be applied on real structures in London, or with certain changes in other cities with similar potential.