Bermondsey is one of 11 stations of the London Underground Jubilee Line Extension through east London which opened in 1999. The design brings a perceptible sensitivity and ambiance to the public through the use of natural light and a clear spatial experience. This is expressed on the surface and within the station and in so doing responds positively to the demands of security, durability and safety.
Below ground, the civil engineering structure of the station is formed by a combination of cut and cover box (concrete diaphragm walls and horizontal trusses) and bored platform tunnels. These fundamental elements of construction are manipulated to clearly express the weight and massivity of structure through the medium of natural light. This provides a basis for a legible hierarchy of material expression for all other components within the station.
At street level the building form emerges from below ground with a gentle curved translucent glazed structure rising towards Jamaica Road.
The glazed roof and enclosing walls transmit a large percentage of daylight into the building and result in some rays of sunlight reaching the platform area alleviating the sense of tension and claustrophobia often associated with a below ground environment. The glazed roof is supported on acoustically wrapped steel linear beams finished in perforated stainless steel. These beams interfere with sunlight creating a play of reflections and shadows on surrounding surfaces.
The blue glass frieze, first seen outside along the station canopy, is taken as a lighting and colour theme through the station concourse, down the escalators to the platforms. Blue glass seats extend along each platform. These elements are the refined jewellery components in the design and material hierarchy of the station.
British Construction Industry Awards 2000 Special Award to JLE
Concrete Society Award 2000/2001 Certificate of Excellence