Sztuka na dworcach kolejowych w Japonii i Europie

Abstract

Art at railway stations in Japan and Europe

Since the 1990s, railway companies have succeeded in improving the station design. Railway stations have become modern and multifunctional facilities, relying heavily on commerce and services. Art and culture have also been applied with various effects to popularize railways. In some cases, the art was coordinated according to the design concept of the station, in others it was used as decoration. It has been found that the “art in transit” used at railway stations has a rare opportunity to be admired and enjoyed by a wide audience. Analyzed examples include Japanese and European railway and subway stations. The stations with art have been divided into four types. The typology introduced in this paper was based on the role played by the art at the station and its relationship to the station design. The most inclusive type – total design employs art as an essential part of the design concept. in the conclusion the notion, that visual art, performing arts and culture at the station have great potential to connect stations with people, revive railways and build new quality brands for railway companies was expressed. New public space created at the stations can be an important urban asset for the future.