Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit

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Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit

Richmond Highway, Fairfax County, Virginia

The Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit project is part of the Fairfax County connectivity program to make the county more accessible. KGP is the Station Architect for the system, leading the completion of the 100% Architectural Design. The project includes the construction of new BRT-dedicated median lanes, nine BRT stations, roadway widening, streetscape improvements, and improvements to and building sidewalks and bicycle facilities. The BRT will operate within the project limits in dedicated and mixed traffic lanes. The width of the BRT-dedicated facility would range from 32 feet (for two lanes) to 58 feet (for two lanes and station platforms). KGP developed the design options for the 16 stations through a series of studies about the history around Route 1. The materiality, forms and overall design captures the essence of a modern highway and its surroundings while hinting at the history and events that made it what it is today.

The preferred concept is a dynamic form that reflects the aviation history of the corridor and warm materials. The Richmond Highway corridor has a storied military past, which continues today with its association with 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 initially 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 the historical markers and memorials reflecting this period. This theme honors aviation and military history, focusing on the role of flight with its dynamic shapes and materials reflecting the ideals of movement and connection.

The selected design takes on a dynamic form, where the transition from the wall/support to the roof is seamless, maintaining a cohesive appearance with consistent materials throughout. This prototype showcases KGP's commitment to thoughtful design evolution, ensuring the final product not only meets functional requirements but also achieves a harmonious and dynamic aesthetic.