A roller coaster for Battersea Power station?

Author: Cyril Richert

Paris-based practice atelier Zundel Cristea (AZC) has won the competition (results announced mid-March 2013) to transform the Battersea power station into a museum. The proposal is based on the Parisian Cité de l’Architecture model, and will present a panorama of architecture and cultural heritage from the Middle Ages to today.

The most notable feature of the project is the integration of a giant roller coaster in the 40,000 sqm of the site, providing a new perspective to the area and the city of London.On their website they explain:

Our project puts the power station on centre stage, the structure itself enhancing the site through its impressive scale, its architecture, and its unique brick material. Our created pathway links together a number of spaces for discovery: the square in front of the museum, clearings, footpaths outside and above and inside, footpaths traversing courtyards and exhibition rooms. The angles and perspectives created by the rail’s pathway, through the movement within and outside of the structure, place visitors in a position where they can perceive simultaneously the container and its contents, the work and nature. They come to participate in several simultaneous experiences: enjoying the displayed works, being moved by the beauty of the structure and the city: river, park, buildings.

Will it ever be implemented? Or will it be another addition to the one presented in 2010 and the tower proposal in 2008 after previous owner Treasury Holdings UK, was been put under administration in 2011 and the site bought by aMalaysian consortium, comprising S P Setia, Sime Darby and the Employees Provident Fund?

Is it serious? Currently there is no word on the Battersea Power station’s website… the redevelopment, designed by Raphael Vinoly, is still expected to be completed by 2016 and some flats have already been sold.

More details HERE.