Analysis of Waterloo International Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Analysis of Waterloo International - Essay Example This essay describes the design of Waterloo International. The International terminal at Waterloo opened in 1994 under Eurostar’s banner. The terminal itself has had nearly 100 million pairs of feet through its concourses, millions using the restrooms, parking facilities, hotel and boarding areas. The terminal has stood up well to the demands placed on it and it is rather the route through the chunnel which has caused most problems for the operation of the trains. The high speed travel option has been dogged by bad press and Nicholas Sarkozy has openly citicised the company for lack of adequate preparation in case of emergencies. Because of extreme weather conditions the chunnel has been forced to close on many occasions-on one occasion passengers were stuck for hours-the ensuing panic almost crippled Eurostar. What began as a revolution in travel and design seemed, in 2007, to be a doomed operation and when Eurostar moved its entire operation to St Pancreas , Grimshaw’s lovely soaring dome looked set to become yet another Modernist white elephant. So far the building has been a venue for a performance of the Kink’s song, Waterloo Sunset, by Lily Allen (a fitting tribute), a major art exhibition and a Topshop fashion show during London Fashion Week, the models strutted down the platform showcasing the latest in British street style. These events show that Grimshaw’s addition to Waterloo station has been accepted by the Bri ts and looks set to be well utalised in the future.