Union Station Bicycle Transit Center
Downtown, Washington, DC
At the cusp of a livable cities movement, the Union Station Bicycle Transit Center is an obvious catalyst that promotes bicycle use and alternative transportation options by providing secure parking, rental, and retail service. At the doorstep of Washington's central transportation hub, Union Station, its sleek form reflects the technology of its contents while complementing its eminent Beaux Arts neighbors. Arched steel tubes with an energy-efficient "skin" optimize transparency in this sensitive historical context by echoing a bicycle wheel's elegance and efficiency.
Sited between two turn-of-the-century landmarks by Daniel Burnham, Union Station, and the National Capitol Post Office, the facility is available daily to thousands of tourists, commuters, and neighbors. Union Station, circa 1907, exemplifies a heroic strain of the American Beaux-Arts tradition that emerged after the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Grand iconic vaulted ceilings recalling Roman triumphal arches and baths suggest Union Station represents an "imperial transportation palace" as conceived by its renowned architect, Daniel H. Burnham. The apparent location adjacent to the west portico creates a fitting backdrop for the Bicycle Transit Center. Sustainable goals shape and evolve our attitudes toward transportation.
In the design of the bike station project, KGP Design Studio innovatively crafted a shape intended to attract individuals towards using bicycles as a primary mode of city transportation. The complexity of the design focused on achieving an efficient structure capable of accommodating numerous bicycles while addressing key details to minimize corrosion and maintenance needs. The emphasis on functionality and aesthetics showcases KGP's dedication to encouraging sustainable urban mobility through thoughtful and effective design solutions.
Type of Project
BICYCLING
Location
Downtown, Washington, DC
Client
District Department of Transportation DDOT
Status
Design Completed 2007, Construction Completed 2009
Role
Designer, Architect of Record
Team
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