Seilbahn / Cable Car in Göteborg

GÖTEBANA (Proposal)

The Götebana proposal is notable for its highly consistent composition, with a clear idea and
high recognizability. The proposal has a playful conceptual approach, repeating round shapes in both the stations and the towers. The rounded shapes signal the specialness of the cable car and cable car travel. Because of its clarity, the proposal is easy to appreciate, but the jury
feels that upon close examination it exhibits a number of flaws.

The proposal has the ambition of making the stations accessible by creating one single public pace that extends all the way to the station platforms. To do so, it suggests changing the topography of the station sites to elevate the ground around the stations. In cases where the stations need to fit into a previously existing urban structure, this kind of landscaping seems more likely to increase the barrier effect than reduce it.

THE TOWERS
The unique form of towers does not reference any specific aspect of Gothenburg, but its simple idiom could make it a new and effective symbol of the city. The tower masts are
tapering columns in light concrete, topped by large rings 22 meters in diameter clad on the inside with the same ceramic material used in the station interiors.

It is doubtful whether this concept will work for the short towers, as the resulting proportions will create an awkward impression. The illustrations do not show stays for the tower saddles within the rings, which are judged to be necessary additions and will probably affect the architectural expression of the towers.

The tower base flares out as it meets the ground, forming a seamless transition with its surroundings. The junction of tower and ground looks clean, but it is hard to see how it
could add many social elements to the urban space.
In the estimation of the jury, the strong and static tower idiom may not prove repeatable nor look attractive in the city over the long term. The design is also difficult to repeat
and difficult to develop and adapt, precisely because its concept is so complete.

THE STATIONS
The stations have a simple form with a clear concept in which floors, walls and ceilings are of the same light red ceramic material that encircles passengers and technology alike. The exteriors are of concrete cast in situ and the jury believes the contrast between the smooth, light exterior and the warm, glossy interior would be attractive. The station
size is problematic, however, for such a minimalist design.

The shape would have worked better for a smaller structure. As planned, the stations risk being experienced as closed off and too dominant, with long, dead facades.

The Järntorget station is adapted to the existing buildings and has a sightline to the public square. This, however, gives the building a definite rear side that faces both Folkets hus and the new buildings at Masthuggskajen. The height difference between the platform and the ground is bridged by a terraced hill with long flights of stairs. The proposal does not include an escalator, which significantly reduces accessibility.

The relatively closed volume also makes it harder for passengers inside to find their way out, and vice versa. Business premises in the station face inwards and do not
exploit the thoroughfares generated by the city, which is important for the financial survival of passenger services. The plan and section of intermediate station at Lindholmen
are adjusted to accommodate lower platforms and make ground access easier. In spite of this, because of its form, the relationship of the station to the outlined pedestrian
network is unclear, which risks creating a barrier.