Friday was great; it was my first time meeting everyone at the German Gymnasium. I had a chance to look around and observe models of building yet to be finished in the area, which really helped to give you a feel for the atmosphere of Kings Cross. We had a chance to learn about the processes of redeveloping the area before meeting Alastair Lansley, the head Architect behind the redevelopment of St. Pancras and Ian Gardner the Engineer.
Alastair was the first to present to the Urban Pioneers and I just loved his enthusiasm for the railway system. It was contagious. He really captured the groups’ attention and I think everyone was interested in everything he had to say. We learn about his career and more specifically his involvement in St. Pancras. How it was built 6 meters above street level and how it was the first station to use a stylised lighting system. Ian gave us an insight into the building’s complex structure, where he told us of their struggle convincing English Heritage to support their idea to remove the St. Pancras’s ceiling panels and replacing it with glass. They also gave use an insight into the stations multiple uses, as The Undercroft was originally used to house Burton’s beer, now the retail area replaces it. We learnt so much and had the opportunity to throw questions to these experts, having them answered with honest and great humour.
Monday 15th February
There has been a lot of speculation around what actually happened and still this story continues to baffle the minds of professionals. People have named the phenomenon …The Day we waited for Kofi. Forget about that fact we never actually got to Lille and that we queued and queued only to find out that we wouldn’t go anywhere. The main event of the day was waiting for Kofi. The meeting point was St. Pancras station, 7:30am with Ruby and Tom Dyckhoff. Coincidentally, Naomi and I meet on the tube and was then evacuated away from Kings Cross due to a suspected fire, then proceeded to make our way back to the danger zone where it was then given the all clear. In hindsight, it seems like this day was not meant to happen, but anyway. Ruby then did a call around to check the location of all the other Pioneers and apparently, everyone was almost there. Seen, as we had to spare Tom, I thought it was necessary to start our day right so headed to a notorious chain store beginning with S to get our fix of coffee. When we rejoined the group Antony, Benas and Michael had arrived but no sign of Kofi. Ruby was assured that he was 10 minutes away and so we waited. Sometime later, Ruby called Kofi and was told that he would not be much longer, well we waited… waited and-d waited. Finally, we decided to give Kofi a 10 minute ultimatum or else we would definitely miss the train. We had to rush past check-in and customs, with some pretty evasive security guards. Everyone, besides me was reluctant to leave without Kofi being there, to be fair I was stern as he lives reasonably close but Michael being the loyal friend that he is risked his trip to Lille to go back for Kofi. Eventually, the search and rescue was called off when 1hr and 6minutes later Kofi arrived and as fresh faced as ever, whilst I was still getting over my very earlier start. Why he was late was is a mystery within itself! I have heard three different stories, depending on whom you talk to. All I know was that he woke up 5:30 and got dressed. Went back to sleep. Went to Mc Donald’s and had a meal. Got on a bus going the wrong way, was lost, and then finally made it to the station. If anything, it was hilarious day and I look forward to Lille trip II.
On Friday 12 February, the Urban Pioneers met Alastair Lansley, the architect in charge of the regeneration of St Pancras Station, and Arup's Ian Gardner.
Only a week to go until our trip to Lille...
