Project Details
- Project Name
- Durham Station Transportation Center
- Location
-
Durham ,NC ,United States
- Architect
- The Freelon Group
- Project Types
- Transportation
- Size
- 10,300 sq. feet
- Year Completed
- 2008
- Shared by
- The Freelon Group
- Project Status
- Built
Project Description
Durham Station Transportation Center is the transportation hub at the heart of the City of Durham that provides multiple alternatives to automobile traffic, an essential component needed to support more densely populated urban areas. The project, made possible by a combination of city, state, and federal funding, ensures more efficient transportation throughout the Triangle.
The two-story, 10,300 Sq. Ft. facility serves four and one-half million of DATA’s five million annual passengers. The site boasts twenty canopied bus bays, six parking spaces for taxicabs, disability parking, short-term parking, “kiss and ride” drop-off, and bicycle racks all organized around a transparent, day-lit passenger terminal that includes ticketing, waiting, package express, a driver’s lounge, security, and space for future amenities. The high performance glass enclosed open environment encourages social interaction while maintaining safety and comfort for waiting patrons. There are also provisions for a future bridge connection to a future light rail system, further connecting the City to the region and beyond.
The design of Durham Station references the City of Durham’s rich cultural history by using materials selected to respect the visual and tactile texture of masonry found in Durham’s tobacco warehouses. The design incorporates these materials and renders them in a more contemporary industrial aesthetic, while embracing the equally strong tradition of innovation and progress. The predominantly glass exterior walls offer a secure environment, visibility of transportation activity, and views of the downtown area, Historic American Tobacco, West Village, and the surrounding areas. Articulated metal roof forms, masonry, and concrete embraces the location’s industrial context while acknowledging the dynamic movement of Durham Station’s transit program and its adjacent intermodal transit facilities.
In addition to the high performance glazing, generous roof overhangs and solar shading devices mitigate solar head gain while maintaining visual transparency. More than 30 percent below standard energy usage, the building not only serves sustainable transit practices but embraces energy conservation within its own footprint.