Skip to Main Content
Legat Architects
  • Work
  • Studio
    • People
    • Careers
  • Insights
  • Contact

Train Station Architectural Design Fundamentals – Part 2 (Safety above All Else)

By Ted Haug // 05/25/2016
Governmental, Thought Leadership, Transportation

No matter how striking a train station is, it’s not doing its job if it doesn’t have safety at the core.

In my last post, I talked about the impact that a well-designed train station can have on a community. However, in reality, before a single word about style or aesthetics is uttered, train station designers have to think about safety . . . for commuters, for employees, for anyone who steps foot in the station.

Since the harried commuter often isn’t thinking about safety, architects must make it a priority. That means being aware of everything from how passengers flow through the station and access the platform to the views that employees have.

Following are a few safety essentials to keep in mind:

The design of the Metra train station in Bartlett forces people exiting the station to turn 90 degrees before they can access the tracks.

The design of the Metra train station in Bartlett forces people exiting the station to turn 90 degrees before they can access the tracks.

Keep Track of Tracks

Ideally, station exit doors do not face the tracks. At first, that seems illogical. It’s not efficient . . . right? That may be. However, by forcing commuters to turn to face the tracks, the design eliminates the possibility of a person stumbling onto the tracks as he or she steps out.

For instance, there was a tight site for a new station in Bartlett, Illinois. We designed a slender station with a north façade that comes close to the tracks. So it was critical to create exits on the sides of the station.

An expansion and upgrades to the Galesburg Amtrak station provide light-filled waiting areas with views to the tracks.

An expansion and upgrades to the Galesburg Amtrak station provide light-filled waiting areas with views to the tracks.

Views In, Views Out

Another important train station safety design consideration is views in and out of the facility. People need to see where they’re going.

First, think about the difference between approaching a solid wall versus a glass wall. The former shows bricks . . . not very inviting. The glass, however, displays people and activity, perhaps a coffee bar and views through to the tracks. People should be able to see into the station as they approach it from the outside. It not only feels safer, but it also entices them to come in.

Similarly, when those within the station have clear views outside, they feel more connected to their surroundings. The central waiting area should give occupants views to the platform and, if possible, to the drop-off/pick-up drive. With clear views into and out of the facility, there’s the bonus that those within the station have the psychological reassurance that they can be seen from the outside.

A renewal of a station in Galesburg, Illinois offers a good example. Before the project, views were severely limited. New and renovated waiting rooms brought panoramic views to the platform, plus improved views into the facility.

The Art of Safety

The tips above are just two of the most important safety considerations train station designers have to take into account. There are many more to think about. For instance, interior floor and exterior platform surfaces have to be durable and slip-resistant to accommodate high foot traffic and fluctuating weather conditions. Also, the placement of the ticket station should allow the agent to monitor platform activity.

No matter what a station does aesthetically, it’s all for naught unless it’s safe.

Contact us to learn more about train station design or comment below to share your thoughts about this post.

Share

Ted Haug
Ted Haug

Ted Haug, AIA, LEED AP BD+C finds joy in architecture’s ability to combine function and aesthetics. He analyzes problems, creates answers, and then combines them into a built whole. Ted believes that every project, no matter how humble its scale or modest its budget, deserves a well-conceived solution and a beautiful design.

Read More

Comments (0)

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Get Our Newsletter

Join over 5,000 building owners and architecture enthusiasts. Sign up for Legat’s newsletter to get design tips, news, and more. Please note that by providing your email address, you are agreeing to our privacy policy.

Article Types

  • Building Envelope
  • Commercial
  • Community Outreach
  • Corporate
  • Governmental
  • Healthcare
  • Higher Education
  • Hospitality
  • Interior Design
  • International
  • Mixed-use
  • News + Publications
  • Performing Arts
  • PreK-12 Education
  • Press Releases
  • Recreation
  • Research
  • Sustainability
  • Think Tank
  • Thought Leadership
  • Transportation
  • Wellness

Authors

  • April Maifield
  • Dennis Paben
  • Jay Johnson
  • Jeffrey Sronkoski
  • Justin Banda
  • Legat Architects
  • Mark Siwik
  • Monique Taylor
  • Rob Wroble
  • Robin Randall
  • Sylvia Kowalk
  • Ted Haug
From the Blog
See All Posts
05/19/2023
Train station translation: contemporary architecture
By Ted Haug
05/03/2023
How to achieve cost-effective kindergarten classrooms
By Robin Randall
03/16/2023
Jay Johnson celebrates 30 years of working out the details at Legat Architects
By Legat Architects
Contact Legat
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • File Storage
  • Employee Login
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest