The architecture of railway stations in Shenyang in the first half of the 20th century

The work is dedicated to identifying and defining the figurative and spatial characteristics of railway stations constructed in Shenyang during the first half of the 20th century. In the course of the study, the main architectural and compositional techniques employed by architects for the construction of railway stations in Russia, the South, the North, and the East are examined in detail. The stylistic traits that are associated with Western European, Chinese, and Japanese architectural traditions are identified. The brief history of the construction of these stations is reviewed, as well as the objects that served as models for the planned structures. The author examines how each station influenced the formation of the urban composition and development. As part of the research, three approaches to station design were identified based on national characteristics. Russian designers considered these stations to be secondary, which is reflected in the use of standardized design techniques and lack of elaboration in urban planning. Japanese architects designed the station based on the typology of similar facilities in the city. An integrated approach was taken, with the station originally planned as the center of a residential development project. Chinese builders sought to demonstrate the independence of their national architecture from foreign influences, resulting in the creation of a creative solution that is typical of Sino-Western architecture during this period, characterized by the breakdown of proportions and tectonic elements from European architecture. Additionally, the stations designed by Chinese architects were characterized by a lack of integration with the existing urban planning, which was partly addressed during the Manchukuo period.

railway, railway station, architecture, urban planning, CER, SMR, Shenyang, Mukden, Manchukuo, China