‘Ride’ competition launched A challenge to design a transit hub for buses by UNI.xyz
INFRASTRUCTURE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Buses, Trains, Taxis, and other forms of native transport systems in different parts of the world have provided humans with an option of hassle-free transit options within cities and states. These transit systems have adapted to the needs of the particular locality ever since their inception. The purpose of such a public transit system is that it helps reduce the clutter on the street which has far-reaching effects on the economy and the environment.
Contrary to its intentions, the scenario of public transport is seen to be substandard due to neglect, which creates a negative image of the system. The current situation around the world is that vehicular pollution has undeniably gone through the roof and measures to curb this have been implemented around the world. But not all of these systems would prove feasible over the long run or even sustainable.
The endorsement of public transit by citizens has never been more urgent. But while the operational infrastructure of the transport facility is in place, its use is restricted as not much forethought is placed on the quality of travel and well-being of passengers.
ISSUES IN PERCEPTION OF TRANSIT HUBS
A transit-oriented system or development is the plan that is up and coming as a part of various smart city initiatives and sustainable community acts. It is the creation of a pedestrian-oriented and public-centered approach to transit methods around the city. Not only would this reduce the carbon emissions of the place, but it would also considerably reduce the stress levels of living and depending on vehicles for traveling even within close distances. Transit-oriented development would pertain to regional planning, walkable neighborhoods, and revitalization, all combined.
Dallas is one of the many cities around the world that requires attention to its transit system that can be a pioneer to the movement taking form, standing as an ideal example. Many transport modes are scattered over the city but the navigation is complicated and inefficient. In the case of this city, the abundance of transit options is not well supported by assistive functions, making it undesirable for people to use thereby, leaving them unused and neglected.
How can we promote the use of public transport and change the perception of transit hubs among the general public?
DESIGN A TRANSIT HUB
The architecture competition brief calls for a design of a transit hub for buses.
The hub will also cater to after-transit support/private vehicles (cab, rental, etc.) that acts as the central station for the entire city, making it easy to provide transport modes to reach every corner of the region.
The hub would contain stations for public buses and other transport options within and outside the state. While most the public transit systems offer a place for the vehicles to be parked and boarded, creating a hub would converge all transit-related processes to one place, making it easier for people to come to and disperse from the city center, where facilities are currently concentrated. This initiative would improve accountability and transparency in the process as well as encourage people to use public transit more.
A central transit hub that is also decentralized can increase accessibility and convenience for people to use it more often while improving the circulation within the city and with higher standards. The hub will also cater to other needs of commuters of leisure and rest stop facilities with the provision of snacks and refreshments, before and after travel time.
OBJECTIVES
- Engage — Social interaction opportunities must be provided so that the public has the opportunity to take a rest or engage during transit breaks.
- Balance — Social spaces and their aesthetics must be oriented in a way that the functionality of the hub remains undisturbed.
- Sustainable — Reduce the negative impact of design on the environment, by improving building performance, reducing waste, and ensuring comfort for occupants.
- Context — The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider socio-cultural, economic and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.
SITE
Dallas, Texas
Dallas is a metropolitan in Texas, the United States, which has a history marking it as a transportation hub. Due to its prominent location being serviced by major railroads, highways, metro, and airports, the financial standing of the city has improved tremendously with many industries contributing to its economy.
The site is just outside the Dallas Downtown Historic District which has many landmark buildings and businesses in the area. The district is vibrant with footfall owing to its upscale outlets, eateries, theatre, and nightlife. Transport infrastructure is advanced yet some of the most visited places within the city can’t be reached using public transport and the system does not work throughout the day.
The location is between Victory Station and EBJ Union Station. The site is ideal for this typology due to its central location in the city and its proximity to the city’s hotspots for locals and visitors.
- Site area — 23,052 sq.m
- Height restrictions — 10 meters
- Ground coverage — 50%
- Setbacks (as per CAD plan)
- Coordinates — 32°46'57.5"N 96°48'58.8"W
PROGRAMMATIC OUTLINE
The area program for this project must contain bus stations for inter and intrastate transits, a transit office (admin), seating spaces for travelers, eateries outlets, and so on. Social interventions must not interfere with the functioning of the transit hub vehicular movement. Creative additions to enhance this typology can be added within the constraints.
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) System has a fleet of 692 buses. These buses are serviced by 14 Bus Transit Centres and numerous bus stops. The capacity of buses using the transit hub will be around 40–60 buses per day (as per early or delay time). Buses will pass through the hub every 15 minutes. DART buses and trains operate daily from approximately 5 a.m. to midnight (19 hours).
Hence, the prime location beside downtown is ideal for providing alternate options to the huge populace during other DART non-working hours. The transit hub has to support the movement of more than 1000 passengers on the hub and daily buses (forward and reverse). The stop will also be used for road transport rentals like cabs, taxis, and so on.
- Entrance 20%
Ticket counter, Passenger vehicle Parking, Public Toilets, Recreation (Stalls/Seating/Open gathering spaces) Baggage Checking/Handling, Security Check, Cloak Room.
- Exit 15%
Public vehicle parking, Rental cabs/taxi parking, Rental services inquiry office, seating spaces, Retail shops/stalls, etc
(Participants are free to merge or separate the functions of entrance and exit based on their design concepts.)
- Transit and Public Activities 35%
Information desk (Enquiry office), Waiting rooms, First aid room, Interstate bus stands (15), Intrastate bus stands (15), Cafeteria/Kitchen, Toilets/Washrooms, Retail Shops/Stalls, Gardens/Recreational spaces.
- Administration and Staff services 30%
Hub Manager’s Cabin, Supervisor’s Cabin, Ticket Supervisor’s Cabin, Security/Police office, CCTV Control Room, Staff Office, Meeting Rooms, Conference Rooms, Utility/Cleaning room, Store, Staff toilets/washrooms, Refreshment/Cafeteria/Pantry.
The section for private vehicles/cabs/rentals has to be demarcated in the design proposal. Participants are free to add areas according to their design concepts. The parking space estimate for buses, cabs, private vehicles, bicycles, and so on has to be calculated (approximately) by the participant, with adequate justification.
Originally published at https://uni.xyz.
