Transit Brochure - 2024

We are architects, designers and urbanists.

Placemaking for a Modern World

We design at every scale and at every stage in the process of placemaking, from visioning to briefing, design, delivery and operation. The places we create are distinct; social, natural, useful and beautiful – a reflection of humanity.

The practice has grown to over 1,200 people operating from a collaborative network of global studios, all creative hubs connected to the cities and regions they serve.

We have an enviable track record of delivering innovative, sustainable projects in a number of sectors and for a diverse range of clients – both public and private.

Our knowledge of transit projects around the world and are inspired by a common approach that produces holistic high quality integrated transit solutions that meet the demands of 21st century travel.

Our aspiration is always to create world class, sustainably inspired buildings and passenger environments. We put passenger needs at the centre of the design to create a positive first and lasting impression of their journey.

Today’s modern transit networks form an integral part of developing new and existing urban masterplans involving a mixture of transit modes from rail and air to road or on foot. Our expertise ranges from the largest (site masterplans) to the smallest (passenger-focussed individual facilities). In the former category we have developed masterplans for transit sites which create commercial developments which integrate with award-winning interchange environments. At the most personal scale we have developed access for all facilities

which cater for the wide range of passenger needs. Our designs work between these extremes in scale to create interchange environments which coordinate site-planning for vehicular access and management of passenger flows under different operational situations to ensure safe and secure people handling.

We bring the various modes of transit together to create building solutions involving a mix of building typologies to create successful ‘places for people.’

Victoria Station | Manchester, UK

Aviation

Bus Rail

Future Mobility

Accessible and Inclusive Transit

Transit Oriented Community

19 Studios around the world

Professions

Ar Architecture

Ac Acoustics

BSE Building Services Engineering

C&S Civil and Structural Engineering

DM Design Management

GD Graphic Design

InD Inclusive Design

ID Interior Design

La Landscape Architecture

Li Lighting

Ma Master Planning

Pl Planning

Su Sustainability

UD Urban Design

Rail

We have over 20 years’ experience in designing a range of major rail projects. Many of the projects have wide ranging briefs encompassing planning and building design, earthwork infrastructure, landscape, interiors, signage, lighting and acoustics.

Projects range from elevated transit systems, to both overground and underground rail lines and stations. Stations such as Nottingham and Piccadilly are adapted existing buildings, transforming them into modern connective transit hubs regenerating large urban areas.

Victoria Station

Refurbishment of Manchester’s Victoria railway station, centred around the removal of a series of train shed roofs which have been replaced with a 161,458 sf ETFE-clad column free structure. A series of mezzanine floors have been introduced, holding various station facilities and improving connections.

“ The result is undeniably dramatic… the impact of the interior is immediate. The space is airy and exciting and ranks among the most impressive sheds of the modern railway.”

Britain’s Best 100 Railway Stations

Glasgow Queen Street Station

Glasgow Queen Street Station has been redeveloped to cater for longer, greener trains and increased passenger footfall. A fully glazed façade floods the station with daylight, while a dramatic roof form creates a memorable gateway to the city. The design places emphasis on the previously hidden Category A listed train shed, reinstating this fine Victorian structure as the heart of the station and creating an unprecedented contemporary connection between train and city.

“ This new Glasgow Queen Street, delivered as part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme, is a shining example of how we can modernise historic and iconic stations, offering greener transit hubs that are more attractive to commuter, business and leisure markets alike. This station led the city through industrialisation and it now stands out as an example of what we can achieve as we navigate our way towards net-zero.”

Nicola Sturgeon First Minister of Scotland

Our masterplan set out a regeneration strategy to reinforce the station’s strategic role as a transit gateway to the city, emphasising its catalytic impact on regeneration and the station’s role as generator of economic growth

A modernised Whitechapel Crossrail Station in London, with a new entrance and step-free access between the street and all services at the station. The station provides an important passenger interchange between the London Overground, District and Hammersmith & City lines and the new Crossrail line.

We are designing nine underground stations for Dhaka Metro Line 5, which will cross the heart of the city from west to east. In collaboration with Nippon Koei, it is our first project in Bangladesh, and draws on our experience of designing significant transit projects such as Glasgow Queen Street Station and Whitechapel Station on the Elizabeth Line in London.

Dhaka Metro Line 5

Location Dhaka, Bangladesh Ar UD

MRT Station Manila

This station will be an interchange with existing lines and form the terminus of a new line. All activities within the station focus into the heart of the structure, the Garden Hall. This dramatic space features planted terraces running the full length of the site; all routes into and across the levels of the station pass through this space which will form the main identity of the building.

We led a consortium which triumphed in revitalizing Nottingham Station, turning it into a world-class city gateway. Selected from 54 contenders, the winning vision addressed passengers’ criticisms and merged high aspirations with a robust business plan. The redevelopment, spearheaded by Nottingham City Council and key partners, involved thorough public engagement to capture diverse perspectives. Over three years, the project revamped the station, adding a new south concourse, elevators, and improved platforms, enhancing functionality while respecting the station’s heritage

Our designs upgrade a key area for passengers awaiting trains at Paddington Station. The design creates a memorable retail and catering destination that fully integrates with the magnificent volume of the Grade I listed station structure, improves circulatory routes and increases the retail offer and tenant mix.

Renovation and expansion of Piccadilly Railway Station in Manchester, giving it a 21st century image. Works involved expanding the concourse on two levels, adding 21,527 sf of retail, pubs and restaurants and introducing a 500-space multi-storey car park with a linking bridge, that clears all traffic from the station approach and creates a wide pedestrian path.

A new two-storey train station at Adamstown, Ireland, with a capacity of 3,000 passengers per hour. Design features include a semi-open public concourse spanning across rail tracks with stair and lift access to three platforms, a partially open roof structure providing plenty of natural daylight and two limestone clad stair cores.

Arriva Trains Railway Stations

In Swansea, a phased refurbishment project enhanced the station, featuring a larger concourse area, improved passenger facilities, waiting shelters, booking offices, information boards, and retail units. This initiative marked the initial step in a broader series of railway station masterplans spanning Wales and the UK. Similarly, Chester Station underwent a series of commissions aimed at upgrading passenger amenities, introducing a travel center, ticket office, and customer services, while also creating additional commercial prospects such as retail and catering units.

The light rail system is set to function as a rapid shuttle service within the airport while also ensuring robust connectivity to maximize the economic benefits of significant new developments planned beyond the immediate area. The project encompasses the flagship T2 light rail station, five stops beyond the airport boundary, and the master planning of the adjacent Airport City.

Riyadh Metro Competition

Location Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Client Strabag

Competition entry for Riyadh Metro, to create an entirely new public transit network across six lines. The service is planned to provide 175 km of track, served by 72 new passenger stations and eight major interchange stations.

The new Colindale station in London features an expanded ticket hall, commercial space, and improved public areas. Aligned with the Colindale Area Action Plan, the station is part of a larger development accommodating up to 350 new homes. Inspired by Colindale’s aviation history, the design includes a hybrid timber and steel roof, referencing aeronautical engineering. Bronze and timber finishes evoke aviation aesthetics, while angled soffits and curved beams enhance the concourse’s spaciousness. The distinctive roof profile serves as a visible landmark.

Northern Hub, Ordsall Chord

A section of railway, new bridges and viaducts, the Ordsall Chord, now connects Piccadilly and Victoria stations for the first time. It is a key part of the Northern Hub project which unlocks railway routes, improves connections and provides faster journey times across the north of England with Manchester at its centre.

Bus

Modern bus stations and airports are being developed as integrated transit hubs incorporating both public transit and alternative modes of transitation.

Our challenge as designers is to make these facilities accessible, enjoyable and intuitive to use.

We have experience in designing inclusive high quality transit environments that are safe, well lit and logically signed for connecting passengers including cyclists and pedestrians.

Stockport Bus Interchange

A $203 Million transit hub for Stockport, providing passengers with first class facilities along with a town centre landscaped park. The park covers the 107,639 sf bus interchange and provides connections to a riverside public realm. A pedestrian and cycle bridge links the interchange to the railway station, as well as the town’s commercial hub.

This is the UK’s first carbon-neutral bus station. The building retained significant amounts of the superstructure allowing it to be wrapped in a modern, sustainable envelope. The design includes LED lighting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, air source heat pumps, and 8,000 sf of solar panels.

Transit hub in Gloucester that forms an iconic gateway for the City and is the first phase of the proposed Kings Quarter retail redevelopment. The striking facility includes bus stands for 12 vehicles, full height glazed façade and pedestrian links to the railway station and city centre were improved.

Aviation

The long term value and need for aviation is clear. Economies of countries depend on it and the movement of people around the world is unprecedented.

Using both natural and technological approaches for the creative use and reuse of energy and resource through design our aim is to create an enjoyable passenger experience that treads lightly on the planet.

From designing international arrivals halls to masterplanning expansion of airports our work is planned for the next 30 years. This has been supplemented recently with new projects on the BAA Framework focused previously at Heathrow. The aim of the programme is to carry out transformational change to realise Heathrow’s vision to be a world-class airport and Europe’s hub of choice.

Bagan Airport

A new passenger terminal building providing an international gateway welcoming millions of visitors and replacing the outdated facilities of Nyaung U Airport.

We undertook a comprehensive improvement program for Manchester

to enhance the main concourse facilities. The project, executed over two winter periods to minimize disruption, focused on redesigning circulation zones, streamlining seating and signage, and creating a distinct identity for existing shops. The book and gift shops were expanded, and the Market Place buffet area was upgraded. The link bridge was also redesigned, incorporating a permanent site for the Bureau de Change and parking payment stations, resulting in a more attractive and efficient space for passengers and operators.

Noida Airport

We developed a concept masterplan for the 1334 Ha campus. The landscape concept included ideas on use of vacant lands in initial phases of the airport developments, strategies for trees, planting palette, design of key landscape areas like forest park, plane spotting park and swale park, support functions, cargo village, visitor centre, real estate development and air side peripheral areas. The landscape guidelines define specific recommendations for hardscape, elements, planting, material and color based on usage and visibility.

Transit Oriented Community

Our master planning skills have successfully integrated large rail and aviation infrastructure projects into complex urban environments and sensitive landscape settings. Projects of this type often generate fresh development areas to link business and residential communities allied with a mix of building uses including public facilities and amenities.

Airports are also becoming centres of enterprise serving a wider international business community while also supporting local needs for retail, leisure, tourism, restaurants, hotels and conferencing facilities.

Our placemaking skills, building sector knowledge and specialist design teams have resulted in a portfolio that have evolved from sustainably conceived masterplans.

Liverpool One | Liverpool, UK

Yonge Sheppard Centre

An activated retail streetscape, naturally-lit atriums and a renovated interior define this reinvention of a 1970s shopping centre.

The renovation addressed a significant transit connectivity issue by transforming the entrance to street level, which allowed direct and accessible connection from the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) into the mall. This improvement eliminated the previous

disconnection caused by the retail floors being half a level off from the Yonge Street sidewalk, which resulted in a moat-like separation. The addition of a new pedestrian arcade with skylights and an internal elevator facilitated seamless movement from the subway to the various levels of the mall, enhancing the overall commuter experience. Additionally, the introduction of a large skylight above the main entrance now funnels daylight all the way down to the TTC entrance, brightening the space substantially and contributing to a more welcoming environment for transit users.

The Yonge Sheppard Centre redevelopment exemplifies the role that design can play in the strategic repositioning of real estate assets.

Location Richmond Hill, Canada

Client

Metrus Properties, Condor Properties

Cost

Undisclosed

Completion

Ongoing

To be developed over 25 years, the High Tech Station Transit-Oriented Community is a large scale master plan for the Richmond Hill Centre. As a transit and pedestrian-oriented community, this multi-phased development will include 33 buildings that range from 30 to 80 storeys in height, approximately 21,000 residential units and 8,000 new jobs. Centred on the new multi-modal High Tech transit station, including the extension of the Yonge Street subway, the new community will also encompass two large civic squares, local parks and greenways for pedestrians and cyclists.

Shoppers World Brampton is a master plan that will reimagine the existing shopping centre into a sustainable and walkable, transitoriented community, with residential towers, community space, and an emphasis on retail. By reinventing the shopping centre into a neighbourhood of medium- and high-density buildings featuring best-in-class community amenities and a network of exceptional open spaces, this project demonstrates how shopping centres from eras past can be catalysts for urban transformation.

Location Markham, Canada

Client The Remington Group Inc.

Cost >$900 Million

Completion

Phase 1: 2009; Ongoing

A sustainable, pedestrian and transit-oriented mixed-use urban community is being developed over a number of years on a greenfield site near the Rouge River Valley northeast of Toronto. This 250-acre European-style urban community, in which pedestrians and transit take priority, features a range of residential, shopping, commercial space, recreation and a network of parks and open spaces linked to the naturalized Rouge River system.

Residential and mixed-use projects include Cineplex Markham, Marriott Signature Hotel & Residences, York Condos, The Verdale, Rouge Bijoux, Nexus, the Aviva Office Building and the Carousel Pavilion.

Liverpool One

We worked as master planning consultant and lead architect for a 42-acre area of Liverpool, creating a retail led mixed-used development of new-build and refurbished buildings, streets and spaces. Liverpool One includes 17,222 sf of retail space, bars, restaurants, BBC studios, a park, 600 apartments, and multi-screen cinema.

The Well

A downtown Toronto mixed-use development comprised seven buildings linked by a central retail spine. The retail buildings define and occupy the first three levels of the city block to form the podium, above which up to 36 stories form a high-density residential and office scheme.

©RioCan

Taizhou (Yintai City)

Taizhou Yintai City, sprawling over 13 hectares of reclaimed industrial land, integrates retail, residential, and office spaces. At its core, a multi-level retail and leisure center connect to a modern transit hub. The development includes high-rise offices, a lavish five-star hotel, and a leisure plaza with terraced roof gardens. A striking 150m residential tower stands as a defining landmark. Phase I began in 2014, set to yield 4,306 sf of floor space, enhancing Jiaojiang district’s commercial appeal amidst the region’s thriving economy.

Accessible and Inclusive Transit

Our inclusive design consultancy, Human Space, champions the creation of environments that are not just accessible but inclusive, understanding that good design is about making spaces work for everyone. Our commitment lies in shaping transit projects, buildings, and passenger environments that are universally accessible, thereby promoting a sense of belonging and supporting the diverse needs of all individuals.

We envision transit spaces that go beyond mere compliance with accessibility standards. Our approach involves designing with empathy and innovation to create spaces that are easy to navigate and use by people with a wide range of abilities, ages, and cultural backgrounds. From tactile paving for those with visual impairments to audible announcements for key transit updates, and step-free access for all, we aim for a journey that is as seamless as it is enjoyable.

Metrolinx GO Network Accessibility Audit

Human Space was engaged to conduct an audit of 60+ Metrolinx GO Network stations across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) to determine how existing infrastructure performs in terms of accessibility, usability and safety.

The audit considered the customer journey of persons with disabilities, identify and illustrate risks and opportunities, and prioritize practical

recommendations that improve user experience and maximize value. The audit informs state of good repair activities, stations renovations, capital planning and related prioritization of station works.

Metrolinx adopted its Universal Design Standard in 2019 which has helped establish quality, consistency, and equity in the customer experience of those with

disabilities. This work will build upon those standards by helping close the gaps across numerous stations in the network and increase consistency in the provision and quality of accessibility.

Network Rail Retail Design Guide

Human Space worked with our Manchester studio to deliver a Retail Design Manual for stations for Network Rail, the owner and manager of most of Great Britain’s railway infrastructure. It was important for the client that accessibility and inclusion be infused throughout the manual rather than confined to a single section.

Following a review of best practice and international precedent, Human Space drafted a section of the manual dedicated to inclusion and accessibility, created an Access and Inclusion Checklist for use by prospective retail tenants, reviewed case study stations for potential access challenges, supported the presentation of work-in-progress to Network Rail’s Built Environment Accessibility Panel, and performed general review of the manual for access and inclusion considerations.

The Retail Design Manual for Stations forms part of Network Rail’s Document Suite and will be used by station managers, tenants, and others responsible for developing retail opportunities across the rail network.

Waterfront Accessibility Design Guidelines

Human Space assembled an integrated project team that demonstrated all areas of required expertise including architecture, urban and landscape design, accessibility and inclusion. The team collaborated with Waterfront Toronto in developing the Guidelines that includes principles and performance standards for inclusive design. The work was organized into three phases, including the development of the Waterfront Advisory Committee on Accessibility (Waterfront ACA); consultation and education; and the development of the Guidelines.

National Station Improvement Programme

Human Space engaged in design consultation work for a series of new and refurbished transit stations across Wales, including Chester Station, Swansea Station, Port Talbot Station, Aberystwyth Station, Pontypridd Station, and Neath Station. The team also conducted Equality Impact Assessments for the stations across Wales.

While the different projects have some common materials, individual identity was developed from themes and concepts to create a unique place for each location. Each scheme incorporates clarity of wayfinding; the intelligent use of light; easily secured spaces; future proofed approaches; site responsive design solutions; and all focus on the civic role of a rail gateway.

Equity Impact Assessments were a key part of these many publicfacing projects. The team held workshops with local stakeholders and end user groups (e.g. transit user groups and equality groups) to help inform the designs from an early stage.

The team authored the template for these assessments on behalf of the train operator and the Welsh Government, and then took them through to the final report for each location. The work focused on providing universal access and considered the experiences of people of a range of abilities, ages, genders, races, religions and sexual orientations.

Glasgow Queen Street Station

The third busiest station in Scotland and a major gateway to the city. The station was redeveloped as part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP), a project that will facilitate increased passenger numbers on an electrified, low carbon route.

The design incorporates intuitive wayfinding features, sound sensitive design considerations and incorporates sensoractuated air quality control measures to introduce fresh air into spaces when either air quality drops or its temperature becomes uncomfortable.

Toronto Pearson Airport Terminal 1 - RHFAC Accessibility Audit and Airport Improvements

Human Space has been engaged to conduct an RHFAC Accessibility Audit with the aim of enhancing accessibility and inclusivity at Toronto’s Pearson Airport Terminal 1. The focus is on improving vehicular access, exterior and interior pathways, sanitary facilities, wayfinding, communication, and emergency systems.

Key initiatives include the installation of colour-contrast bollards along pedestrian pathways, painting curbside edges yellow at transit stops for better visibility, and increasing seating at transit stops. Exterior approach modifications involve adding colour-contrasting and slip-resistant strips at ramp landings, tactile indicators at the top of parkade steps, and ensuring entrance guards and glazed doors are visually distinct.

Internally, plans include equipping doors with power operators, adding colour-contrasting automatic sliding doors, and ensuring all glazed walls have proper contrasting strips at various heights. Regular rest areas along long paths of travel and improved lighting and signage in elevators are also on the agenda.

In washrooms, enhancements like fold-down and continuous L-shape grab bars next to toilets and reliable flush mechanisms are considered. For emergencies, blade signage for evacuation chairs and checking the adequacy of fire alarm systems are prioritized.

Additional items address the need for handrails along extended corridors, the functionality of family washroom doors, the inclusion of toilet seat backs/lids, and the proper identification and signage of accessible parking spots.

Each of these measures is aimed at creating more navigable, convenient, and safe spaces for everyone, emphasizing the seamless integration of those with varied abilities into the community and public spaces.

Future Mobility

We are amongst the leading consultants working on the development of the Future Mobility Zone concept. This encourages less travel rather than more; by clustering relevant uses at transit hubs subsequent journeys are reduced, inparticular the over-reliance on private cars. Broadening the range of social, commercial and leisure facilities at an interchange reduces the need for subsequent trips.

In addition to this, by making intermodal transfer smoother, comfortable and more welcoming low-carbon transit use increases.

High volume public transit modes such as buses relieve traffic-choked roads. Where car travel is essential, the use of car-sharing, electric and autonomous vehicles is encouraged through the provision of infrastructure to support them.

Belfast City Airport, UK

Streets For All

Streets for All is Greater Manchester’s emerging approach to thinking about the role of streets in creating sustainable, healthy and resilient places. It is based on a focus on the needs of people and place, rather than considering the movement of vehicles alone.

Million Homes

The demand for housing in Ontario is increasing, causing prices to rise, leading to a housing crisis. To combat this crisis, the More Homes Built Faster Act was introduced with the goal of building 1.5 million homes in the next decade. However, the focus should not just be on meeting this target, but on building homes in an equitable and sustainable way. The goal is to create complete communities that enhance quality of life while being 1.5

environmentally and socially sustainable. The plan is to work within existing transit and planning frameworks to achieve this goal.

Our study demonstrates how we the potential capacity to build an additional 2.5 million homes within the boundaries of City of Toronto alone. This could be completed in an environmentally and socially sustainable way and in a manner that is sympathetic to

existing communities, with a planning and design approach centred on quality of life. There is also potential to apply similar rationale across the entire Greater Toronto Area to achieve greater density and help solve the housing crisis.

Watch the video of the study HERE.

Peter Jenkins

Global Transit Director

peter.jenkins@bdp.com

+44 (0)161 828 2200

Jesse Klimitz Principal - Toronto Human Space Director

jklimitz@bdpquadrangle.com

Cover: Ordsall Chord, Manchester, UK

Photography: Nick Caville, Sanna Fisher-Payne, Martine Hamilton Knight, Jason Hawkes, Paul Karalius, Ros Kavanagh, David Millington, Karel Tomeï, Paul Zanre.

Joseph Moro Director of Public Achiteture

jmoro@bdpquadrangle.com

Key to professions:

Ar Architecture

Ac Acoustics

BSE Building Services Engineering

C&S Civil and Structural Engineering

DM Design Management

GD Graphic Design

InD Inclusive Design

ID Interior Design

La Landscape Architecture

Li Lighting

Ma Master Planning

Pl Planning

Su Sustainability

UD Urban Design

bdpquadrangle.com

“ We put passengers’ needs at the centre of the project, to create a positive and memorable impression of their journey.”

Peter Jenkins Global Transit Director

We are architects, designers and urbanists.