Railroad stations have played a key role in the functioning of cities and towns for decades. They were not only transfer points, but also places to meet, exchange information, and often centers of social life. With advances in technology and changes in transportation preferences, the importance of railroads began to diminish. Some train stations, especially on regional routes, are falling into disrepair, becoming empty spaces - so-called "ghost stations" - which not only disrupt the aesthetics of the landscape, but also create social problems. In his master's thesis "New Histories of Railway Stations: Katowice-Zwardoń-Žilina-Rajec" {tag:studenci} from the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology examines the problem of abandoned railroad stations and the possibilities of their adaptation. She was inspired to choose this topic by her own train journeys and observation of abandoned buildings that not long ago were places teeming with life.
model solutions, minimal adaptation
© Dominika Verešová
why are train stations deserted?
Dominika Verešová points out that abandoned train stations are a complex problem resulting from many factors. In the second half of the 20th century, the development of automobile transportation revolutionized the way people traveled. Owning a car not only provided convenience, but also became a social status symbol, which affected the decline in the number of passengers using the railroad. At the same time, a lack of investment in rail infrastructure, the closure of less profitable lines and demographic changes have led to the marginalization of many stations, especially those in smaller towns.
Abandoned buildings are often located on the outskirts of cities that have grown rapidly over the decades. As a result, stations have lost their central role and, in the case of smaller towns, are no longer needed. Many stations today are only partially used, for example as warehouses, but their potential remains untapped.
hostel
© Dominika Verešová
Revitalization as an opportunity for local communities
While the problem of abandoned train stations may seem depressing, the author of the paper also sees it as a huge opportunity. Train stations are often not only monuments of industrial architecture, but also spaces that can serve new social and commercial functions. Revitalization of such buildings requires a thoughtful analysis, taking into account both the needs of local communities and contemporary architectural trends.
The young architect's work presents many examples of successful adaptations. In Slovakia, Stanica Záriečie station has been transformed into a cultural center that hosts art workshops, concerts and other community events. Similar projects in other countries show that former train stations can become restaurants, cafes and even hotels, which not only attracts tourists, but also emphasizes their historical value.
laundry
© Dominika Verešová
There are also opportunities to use former stations for residential purposes. Although such projects require a lot of money, they can become unique places to live, combining history with modernity. Another direction is the transformation of stations into transportation hubs, offering parking spaces for bicycles and electric scooters or charging points for vehicles. Such solutions are ideally suited to the development of multimodal transportation, which is gaining popularity.
challenges and difficulties of revitalization
However, revitalization of train stations is not a simple process.Many buildings have been neglected over the years, which means that their adaptation requires significant financial resources. Another problem is the unclear regulations governing abandoned properties and the difficulty of identifying their owners. These buildings often become victims of vandalism or illegal activities, which adds to the cost of restoration.
The "broken window" theory, according to which neglected sites attract further acts of devastation, perfectly illustrates the importance of a quick response. Without appropriate interventions, abandoned train stations can become not only a social problem, but also an environmental hazard, for example, through illegal waste dumping.
cafe
© Dominika Verešová
the future of railroad stations
Despite these difficulties, the revitalization of train stations has great potential. Adapting these buildings not only preserves cultural heritage, but also creates opportunities to use already existing infrastructure in a sustainable way. Properly planned activities can transform former stations into centers of social life, cultural spaces or modern transportation hubs that will serve local communities for decades to come.
Dominik Verešová's work is proof that even abandoned buildings can regain their significance and influence the development of surrounding places. Through an analysis of both successful and less successful examples of adaptation, the author shows how many paths can lead to "new stories" of train stations - stories that combine respect for the past with a vision of a modern future.
shelter for people in crisis of homelessness
© Dominika Verešová
