Location
Fairfax, Va
Status
In-Progress
Client
VDOT / Fairfax County
The Richmond Highway BRT project emerged from the BRT recommendation of the Alternatives Analysis. KGP is the Station Architect for the system leading the completion of the 60% Architectural Design. The project includes the construction of new BRT-dedicated median lanes, nine BRT stations, roadway widening, streetscape improvements, and improvements to and construction of sidewalks and bicycle facilities. The BRT will operate in both dedicated and mixed traffic lanes within the project limits. The width of the BRT-dedicated facility would range from 32 feet (for two lanes) to 58 feet (for two lanes and station platforms). The design options for the 16 stations were developed through a series of studies about the existing history around Route 1. The materiality, forms and overall design captures the essence of a modern highway and its surroundings while hinting on the history and events that made it what it is today.
The preferred concept 1 is a dynamic form that reflects the aviation history of the corridor and warm materials. The Richmond Highway corridor has a storied military history which continues to this day with its association to Fort Belvoir, colonial homes, and parks from former forts. The corridor also played a unique role in the development of aviation, with local airports that originally served as part of the growth of that form of transportation converted to flight training centers during World War II. While those uses are gone today, their spirit continues through place names such as Beacon Hill and Lockheed Boulevard, and through the historic markers and memorials reflecting this period. This theme honors the Aviation + Military history with a focus on the role of flight with its dynamic shapes and materials reflecting the ideals of movement and connection.
