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The design for the new Museum/ Transit intermodal depot is intended as a transition between the Museum, its landscape, and the central business district.
Building off this intention, the proposed depot embraces a minimalist aesthetic backed by a low concrete spine similar to the ones found in the landscape design. Such element creates a separation from the park beyond, yet is an opportunity to look over, lean on or use it as a seat.
The design incorporates glass screens that are perceived as transparent cubes against the low wall and are enclosed under a floating metal canopy. Glass screens ensure pedestrian safety and protect from the elements such as wind, rain, and road spray. The design is aware of the importance of its users’ safety: appropriate lighting, no hidden surfaces, and plan openness contributes to discouraging dangerous loitering and panhandling.
The open plan encourages pedestrian mobility around and within the facility. While contributing to addressing the safety issue by avoiding possibly dangerous corners and confined spaces, the open plan enhances people’s flow as they wait, prepare to get on the bus, or get off the bus.
The proposed shelter, which extends to about 75’, is located towards the east end of the existing 150’ curb. The selected location is consistent with the bus pullout routine, so that the first bus to reach its destination will pull up to the end of the curb leaving room for the other buses to arrive.
The covered area accommodates about 30 people considering 15 sq. ft. occupancy per person.
The facility is consistent with the plan to provide accessible connection between the shelter and other modes of transportation within the Museum campus and the central business district: a reserved area for people with disabilities is protected beyond the glass screens.
The design is intended to provide a comfortable and inviting setting to promote a broader use of the people mover that goes beyond the “Museum episode”. Featured improvements include numerous benches, heated sidewalk, bike racks and an information kiosk/panel equipped with the latest transit communication technology. The kiosk is located behind the glass screen to offer easy access in consideration with the local weather conditions.
The proposed option provides seating (benches) and leaning (low wall) opportunities, however it deters sleeping on benches: seating is designed with targeted cutouts so that the length of the actual bench cannot accommodate a person lying down.
The rhythm of the proposed aesthetic complements the Museum and the landscape while being conscious of its connotation and role in the urban setting. The structure is at the same time looking back towards the Museum complex while remaining open to the movement of the city.
