the future is now

Two shots of old Nordkettenbahn in Innsbruck, which linked Innsbruck to Hungerburg.



Two shots of Alpenzoo station, in the woods above Innsbruck, on the brand new line which replaces that in pics 1 and 2, designed by an English woman!

The line has several unusual features. It begins as an underground railway in the heart of Innsbruck, running on the level. There is a second station at city level, then a run over a brand new bridge, still on the level. It then enters another tunnel where it starts climbing steeply, emerging just before the futuristic Alpenzoo station where it switches to viaduct for the final climb into Hungerburg. There are four stations in all, probably a record for a single section funicular. The trains contain five sections in a frame which hydraulically change position depending on the gradient.

The new line has only been open from winter 2007.

If only local authorities in the UK had the same far-sighted approach to modern transport as they do in Austria! This is something that falls within the remit of the New S&D - to change the mindset of the old farts!

the built environment

Above two - Midsomer Norton South signalbox 2008


Pontins' terraced chalet - 1950s


Multi storey car park - who cares?

Take a look at the signalbox at Midsomer Norton. Every aspect of it is human scale, attractive but functional. Inside it is cosy but also efficient, the large windows connect immediately with the outside world. The whole scene is one of pleasantness.

Contrast it with pics 3 and 4. The Pontins shot shows that it's not age that gives the built environment its attractiveness. And as for the multistorey - what were we thinking of?

The entire rail infrastructure in its classic form was a magnificent synthesis of humanity and engineering. What more attractive scene could there be than the wayside country station with a steam train at its platform?

Much of the nastiness of 'modern' life's infrastructure is the fact its been built around the car, it's been created with built-in obscelescence and with no care. Money is always involved, everything has to be done as cheaply as possible.

The future, the one the New S&D will be such a part of, will be totally different. With no cars or roads towns and villages will reorientate towards its railway stations. With labour freely and cheaply available, and the artisanal skills which originally created the built environment of the past back in favour big time, once again we'll be able to create buildings that people can relate to, that people want to work in and be near. The New S&D will be architecturally magnificent, from the humblest platelayers' hut to the mightiest viaduct.

Peak Oil isn't all bad by any means!