View from Södra Järnvägsgatan towards the Central Station and the new Södra Järnvägstorget. (Proposal one)
Currently, the municipality is working on the planning of the travel center and the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) is planning the Norrbothnia railway.
To ensure a functional and visually appealing design for the travel center, an architecture competition has been launched for the area along Södra Järnvägsgatan. This competition aims to gather diverse ideas and approaches for the project.
The winning design will be chosen based on criteria including functionality and aesthetics. Public input and feedback are also being encouraged to ensure the final design aligns with the needs and aspirations of the Skellefteå community.
The new travel center will be situated near the renowned Sara kulturhus, the city's cultural hub. Interestingly, like Sara, all the architectural proposals submitted for the competition feature extensive use of wood, a sustainable and environmentally friendly building material.
Norran has been provided with a condensed overview of the four proposals along with three images each, offering a glimpse into the different design concepts being considered.
Proposal 1 – Welcome home!
View northwest from the intersection of Trädgårdsgatan and Södra Järnvägsgatan. (Proposal 1)
"The large entrance hall in the travel hall serves as a gathering point and connects the various modes of transportation. The spacious room provides a warm and inviting space with seating areas, a café, play area, and services." (Proposal 1)
"This design prioritizes local identity. Three station roofs mirror Norrland chapels, and a unifying platform connects interior/exterior and north/south. The "Stationskapellet" at Stationsgatan's end ensures visibility from the river. The Central Station, a landmark, integrates seamlessly without dominating neighbors or Sara kulturhus. Södra Järnvägstorget is a car-free green space with recycled-material paving reminiscent of old rugs, creating a homey feel. Inspired by the timber industry, parquet floors and furniture echo the local sawmills. The space unites street and station, offering a haven for play, gatherings, and relaxation."
Proposal 2 - Like pearls on a string
"View to the northwest at the intersection of Trädgårdsgatan and Södra Järnvägsgatan." (Proposal 2)
The entrance hall. (Proposal 2)
View towards the travel center and bus terminal on Södra Järnvägsgatan from the Järnvägsparken. (Proposal 2)
"The design emphasizes visual connections between areas, inspired by renowned international railway stations. Rooms offer stimulating variations and a sense of spaciousness. The "Resecentrumbyggnaden" stands out as a pearl among the buildings, distinct yet harmonious with its neighbor, Sara kulturhus. Its lantern creates space and magical light within, also illuminating the city at night."
Proposal 3 – A thousand possibilities under one roof
"The main entrance creates a vibrant life at Stationstorget and thus Södra Järnvägsgatan. In the east, the new urban space, Centrumtorget, is defined by Centrumpassagen, Resecentrumsbyggnaden, Mobilitetshuset, and Sara kulturhus." (Proposal 3)
"In the background of Stationsgatan, the distinctive roof of the travel center is visible. The bus terminal has a low profile and is placed far back in the bus area to maintain Stationsgatan's sightlines over the building and approaching buses." (Proposal 3)
"Proposal 3 features the eastern facade of the travel center building angled outwards along Trädgårdsgatan. This creates a cone-shaped urban space that opens southward towards Centrumtorget."
"Resecentrumbyggnaden serves as a vibrant focal point and nexus for the entire travel center area. It visually and functionally connects the two districts, linking the railway embankment and northern district with the bus terminal and central neighborhoods in the south. The building's gently curved façade creates a welcoming main entrance. The central Stationstorget square borders two new urban spaces, Centrumtorget and Bussterminaltorget. On the eastern side, north-south and east-west pedestrian and cycling flows converge.
Skellefteå is in dire need of more housing. The proximity to Skellefteå travel center allows the western quarters to be filled with taller buildings, creating a more interesting cityscape. Together, the buildings form an urban block with green courtyards level with the train platforms. Along S. Järnvägsgatan, there are entrances to public facilities, shops, and service functions. The quarters feature wooden facades, a varied façade design with recessed entrances, and green plantings, all contributing to a pleasant and vibrant living." environment and street space.
Proposal 4 – View over the land of hjortron
"Proposal 4 positions Skellefteå's new travel center at the end of Stationsgatan, where it gazes out towards the horizon."
"Proposal 4 seamlessly integrates the travel center building, encompassing both the bus terminal and platform roof, into a cohesive structure. Its horizontal form harmonizes with the verticality and scale of Sara kulturhus, creating a visually striking interplay between the two landmarks."
"Proposal 4 seamlessly blends landscape and architecture, drawing inspiration from the distinctive features of Västerbotten's natural landscape. Varying topographical elements shape the design of plazas and park environments, creating a harmonious integration of built and natural spaces."
”In front of the building, the road gives way to pedestrians, cyclists, café guests, and travelers. The historic station park has been transformed into a nature-inspired station landscape with a focus on urban life and ecosystem services. A green entrance plaza at the intersection of Trädgårdsgatan and Centrumpassagen highlights the experience of both Sara kulturhus and the travel center. The space provides room for both cyclists and pedestrians around an important crossroads in the city. Stairs, terraces, and greenery create a soft transition between the building and the landscape.”
The public is not allowed to vote on any of the four alternatives, as the winning proposal will be selected by a jury. The winner will be announced on April 26.