A New Approach to Interior Environments of Transportation Centers

Somruedee Kandee, MFA(Interior Environments)

Interior Design Department, Bangkok University, Thailand

e-mail: somruedee.k@bu.ac.th

Abstract

Intermodal transportation centers, although in existence for several years in selected European cities, are relatively new in the United States. Supported by Federal law, their major purpose is to serve as transit links between train, bus, and airline systems thereby facilitating the improved movement of passengers from one system to another. To effectively realize this, the centers must be able also to meet the diverse needs of the traveling public while in transit. This requires that the centers not only provide essential services, but amenities for passengers as well depending on the specific needs of a center.

Where possible, intermodal transportation centers are designed in such a manner as to take advantage of existing structures. Therefore, the design study is to develop a prototype center based on the study of existing transportation centers—railway stations, bus terminals, and airports. Their design characteristics, functions, facilities, as well as special requirements are explored and identified in order to define the functional standards for a prototype center.

To achieve the appropriate design for the prototype, the design experiment is conducted by applying the functional standards to an existing transportation center which can be developed into an intermodal transportation center. The Main Street Station in downtown Richmond, Virginia, is selected as the project location. The design concept not only addresses the effective use of public transportation systems for the Richmond Metropolitan Area, but, as appropriate, also includes in the project existing facilities located at Main Street Station.

1. Introduction

Public transportation used to be separately described only in terms of a specific mode of service--train, bus, or air. Potentially, although each mode may provide efficient services, it may not, however, meet the complete traveling needs of all of today’s passengers. These needs are being replaced by utilizing a different approach in transporting passengers, namely to provide them with convenient interconnections by using different transportation systems to get them to where they are going. In other words, getting from point A to D is no longer so simple. Passengers may need to transfer from A to B and then to C before arriving at D.

The development of the intermodal concept typically pays much attention to utilizing existing infrastructures, for instance, old railway stations or bus terminals which are normally located in central cities. Thus the use of a centrally located station or terminal supports the view that an intermodal transportation center not only forms an integral part of the urban scene, but has the potential for also becoming a tourist center. This trend has already begun in several cities in both Europe and North America where existing railway stations have been converted to intermodal transportation centers.

An intermodal transportation center can be a new form of structure, a distinctive building, and a group of buildings at a single location which are intended to introduce new methods and patterns in handling a large number of people. Efficiency requires that the center is designed and constructed to incorporate the latest technologies and innovations. Many centers built in the late 20^th century, for example, have very strong characteristics for combining technology in building structures and systems with architectural and interior design shapes and forms.

2. Design Application

2.1 Project Summary

The application of design criteria established during the research phase develops a new language for designing transportation centers. The design outcome emphasizes a conceptual process of development. In pursuing the design idea, the study is conducted by applying the research outcome to an existing transportation center, which has a high feasibility of future development. The Main Street Station, a historic railway station in downtown Richmond, Virginia, is selected, and serves as the project’s location. The compatibility of the development plan prepared by the city of Richmond with the intermodal concept will transform the current railway station into a new transportation hub for the Central Virginia area. The new intermodal center will serve the Richmond Metropolitan Area with a building complex integrating the services of a railway station, a bus terminal, an access to Richmond International Airport, and a shopping district.

2.2 Location

The station is located at 1520 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia. It fronts the north side of Main Street between 15^th and 17^th Streets, and the back is bordered by Broad Street. It has been accepted as the focal point of the surrounding neighborhood since first opening in 1901. Passenger train service was terminated in 1971, and the station closed for some time. In 1985, it was opened as an adaptively reused regional specialty shopping center, but closed again in 1988.

2.3 Building characteristics

The station building includes a four-story head house joining an elevated train shed located behind the house. The second level is flanked by rail tracks on both sides. Both parts of the building are considered significant historic landmarks. The head house was listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register in the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and the train shed in 1976.

The façade of the head house is divided into four stories by the distinguished treatment of the fenestration. The steep hipped roof consumes one third of the height of the structure. The southwest corner of the building rises into a six-story clock. The huge gable-roof train shed is located at the rear of the head house. The structure is supported by cast iron.

Originally, when serving passengers, the ground floor of the head house contained a central waiting room with a ticket office on the left, and a main staircase on the right. The second floor was a large open space connected to the train shed. Currently, the train shed is enclosed, and the interior space has been rearranged into government offices. The main entrance has been moved to the rear of the building facing Broad Street, and the head house entrance on Main Street is closed.

2.4 Design Process

Design Approaches

Three approaches are explored and developed. The hypothesis of each approach is the response to the interrelationships of site configuration, axes identified by traffic patterns, and interior functions. The analysis of the functions shows that the design and construction of primary facilities and area requirements of most transportation centers can be approached in similar manners. Each encompasses four interrelated area, core are, transition area, peripheral area, and an area for administration. Four areas are placed on and plays with site and traffic patterns as follows:

Development of Approach A

Development of Approach B

Development of Approach C

Integration of Three Approaches

Design Concept

The concept addresses the blending of what is new in design and technology with what is important in historic characters. In response to the expansion of transportation technology, future information, and human factors, the design will illustrate an effective use of public transportation space for the Richmond community.

“the same language but different accent”

The transformation and manipulation of the design elements from OLD to NEW play important roles. “Connection” is a condition I encountered earlier with what exists. It is meant to express a suggestion of dynamic, movement, and transport of “the same language of deign in different accent”. Rhythm and repetition of existing elements are considered the grammar. Some old idioms are sometimes borrowed for reminding the past while some slang is always discovered.

Design Development

Selected References

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design. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

[2] Blumenfeld, Y. (1999). Scanning the Future: 20 Eminent Thinkers on the World of

Tomorrow. New York: Thames & Hudson.

[3] Edwards, B. (1998). The Modern Airport Terminal: New approaches to airport

architecture. London & New York: E & FN Spon.

[4] Edwards, B. (1997). The Modern Airport Terminal: New approaches to railway

architecture. London & New York: E & FN Spon.

[5] Latham, T.K. (1979). Main Street Station. Unpublished manuscript, Virginia

Commonwealth University.

[6] Lyon, E. (1991, November). Richmond’s grand dame celebrates her 90^th birthday.

Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Magazine, 2-22.

[7] Riewoldt, O. (1997). Intelligent Spaces: Architecture for the Information Age. London:

Laurence King Publishing.