This international competition was initiated in November 1995, GRIMSHAW with its Korean joint venture partner Kunwon developed this masterplanning proposal for a 2km stretch of railway land running directly through the centre of Taegu (also known as Daegu). Existing streets cross the railway via a transfer deck supporting new buildings for commerce, retail and business. Lower levels are protected by sloping landscaped areas and intertwining parks. Above is a 2km long pedestrian access level which relate to the parks and landscaping, leading directly into the bridge-like Main Passenger Terminal and concourse platforms below.

The aim was to combine an existing underground station with a high speed rail site, using integrated or compound planning. Passenger service functions were to be effectively performed, with particular attention paid to the high speed rail link. A rational solution was developed to integrate vertical and horizontal circulation. Development of the site and its environs was of import, as the design reflected the future importance of the site as a city centre. Connections between rail, underground, bus and car transit with the high speed link were to be smooth but also independently effective. Effective internal and external circulation was seen as critical. A compound planning strategy meant special attention was made to integrating traffic flows of facility users and high speed rail users. The high speed platform was formed by tunnelling across the railway system, and the underground areas would be formed by excavation at a slightly lower level. The existing station above was to be demolished when the commercial stages of construction would begin. All items of construction would reflect phasing proposals similar to those used in other national railway planning schemes.

An effective technical and architectural solution was sought so as to disperse noise, wind and vibration, as well as act as an acoustic isolator to the effects of high speed rail travel.

The project was zoned into six areas:
Zone A 55,760m2 High speed rail, main line rail, commercial (retail and hotel), parking, pedestrian and plaza levels.
Zone B 5,230m2 High speed station, lighting, ventilation, and car parking.
Zone C 18,370m2 As Zone B plus underground railway.
Zone D 29,380m2
D1 Parking, lighting, ventilation, high speed station
D2 10m connection passage, entrance to underground tunnels
D3 Station, parking, ventilation and lighting. Connection to railway system and connection to underground.
D4 High speed railway, parking, lighting, ventilation.
Zone E 2,750m2 General railway station facilities and underground passage.
Zone F Station facilities (openings, ventilation and service ducting)

Primarily, Richard’s responsibilities in the Competition Design Team as Architectural Assistant lay within Zone A, as portions of planning of the North-east hotel and planning of the underground station were entrusted to him.