This document provides practical guidance to the legislative framework which, in the national interest, protects the unique qualities of the historic estate and also provides advice as to how best to maintain it in the appropriate condition related to its operational functionality and cultural importance.
Addressing complex legislation
Previous heritage guidance by Network Rail has been hard to navigate and was not accessible to a wider audience. The challenge for this new document was to provide a large amount of complex and informative technical information, in a way that was engaging and useful to a range of users.
Informative and engaging
We worked with heritage experts within Network Rail and with specialist expertise at Alan Baxter to undertake a comprehensive review of heritage legislation and railway specific legislation past and present. Combing this review with our knowledge of designing within heritage stations such as Paddington, Edinburgh Waverly and Charing Cross, we were able to deliver a document that was both practical and exciting, protecting and enhancing the history of the UK’s rail network.
The new Design Manual reflects the latest National and Network Rail guidance and legislation, structured to provide ease of use for readers.
The document is engaging and illustrated throughout, capturing a wide variety of different stations from across the UK to provide examples of good practice. A case studies section at the end showcases some key projects, providing an extra level of insight to readers.
The Heritage Design Manual is one of nine we have developed for Network Rail. They act as a common frame of reference for all parties involved in the design and operation of Network Rail’s transport infrastructure.
Network Rail is among the largest land and property owners in the UK and ranks in importance alongside the Church of England, the Ministry of Defence, the Crown Estate and the National Trust. Network Rail is, however, different in that its buildings and structures are intrinsic parts of our national infrastructure, where heavy physical wear and tear are exacted on every part of the estate and its infrastructure.
Exhibition of the new Design Guidance suite at Euston station, created by Muslim Women in Architecture (MWA) as part of the LFA and Network Rail Curating Concourses competition.