Project Description
To encourage mass transit and create an environmentally responsive image for this transportation facility, the design team was challenged to maximize energy efficiency, as well as safely moving vehicles and people into and through the facility. The design began with a simple plane providing both shelter and catchment (sun and water). This plane was transformed, through a series of cuts and folds, to become the roof and platform canopies. These sheltering devices were, in turn, used as a passive means of encouraging safety – placed only at locations intended for pedestrian use, eliminating bus/pedestrian conflicts. Patterned granite pathways reinforce these “safe zones”. Sidewalks were intentionally removed from perimeter locations were buses would be entering/exiting the site. This design solution provides heightened user safety and enhanced traffic flow. Moreover, it establishes an iconic image for this company against the skyline of downtown Des Moines. This project received LEED Platinum status in 2013.