white steel arch trusses form nanchang east station's roof wings

Nanchang East serves as a model for Transportation hubs

Nanchang East Station, inaugurated on December 27, 2023, features graceful wing-like curves, establishing a new cultural landmark for Nanchang, China. The project is located in the southeastern corner of Nanchang City, an area with low urban development and industrial levels, aiming to become a model for transportation-led urban development. The project is a collaboration between studio GMP Architekten, Shanghai United Design Group Co., Ltd., and China Railway Siyuan Survey and Design Group Co., Ltd. The development focuses on three main parameters — Urban Three-dimensional Transportation, Urban Composite Functions, and High Walkability.

images courtesy of GMP, Shanghai United Design Group Co., Ltd., China Railway Siyuan Survey and Design Group Co., Ltd.

the project pioneers transportation-led urban development

Considering the Urban Three-dimensional Transportation, the station’s edge-of-city location necessitates a comprehensive transportation hub focused on public transport. This hub integrates a railway passenger station with a Ground Transportation Center (GTC), ensuring seamless connections between various modes of transport.

By integrating diverse spaces and Urban Composite Functions, the design by GMP architectural practice and Shanghai United Design Group Co., Ltd., along with China Railway Siyuan Survey and Design Group Co., Ltd., fosters a station-front economy, enhancing urban vitality and creating a gateway image for the city.

The plan emphasizes a pedestrian-friendly environment with a well-connected walking network and diverse walking spaces reaching the goal of High Walkability. The urban landscape belt extends into the building, enriching travel experiences and optimizing the connection between the station and the city’s functional areas.

Nanchang East Station, inaugurated December 27, 2023, stands as a new cultural landmark

the new Nanchang East Station utilizes a modular design

The architectural design draws from ancient Chinese poetry, featuring dynamic arches resembling egrets in flight. Inside, curved forms evoke petals, mirroring Nanchang’s city flower, the Gardenia jasminoides Ellis ‘Gold Edge’, symbolizing ‘auspiciousness and blessings.’

The station utilizes a modular design for seamless integration of structure and space. The building features a lower part of concrete foundations and entry bridges, and an upper part with lightweight steel canopies. The innovative roof system employs large continuous unequal-span steel arch trusses supported by prestressed cables, creating a column-free interior space with spans of 48m+96m+48m. The roof’s modular unit components enhance the architectural rhythm and visual appeal while ensuring construction efficiency and adaptability. The east and west roof structures are strategically shortened to emphasize the main entrance.

located in Nanchang’s southeastern corner, the station aims to pioneer transportation-led urban development