Systemwide Design
Metro’s Systemwide Design group works closely with all Metro departments responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of station public areas, so that stations are attractive and meet the needs of all our riders and staff. The Systemwide Design group is involved in the design of Metro stations at all stages from concept through construction – currently, that’s over 80 stations! Safety, durability, sustainability, and universal accessibility are among Metro’s top priorities, as well as creating state-of-the-art stations that have a consistent, recognizable design, providing an exceptional experience for riders. Ongoing updates to these standards are also a key part of Systemwide Design’s work to ensure our stations meet the needs of both todays and tomorrow’s Metro customers.
Systemwide Station Design Standards
To create a quality customer experience, our team works to ensure Rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station designs are compliant with Metro’s Systemwide Station Design Standards. These standards establish a distinct unified identity for a world-class transit system. By optimizing the layout of station areas, operational equipment, and customer amenities, we strive to: *Provide a safe, accessible and comfortable Metro experience *Connect Metro stations to the greater regional transit network *Orient stations to neighborhood destinations and pedestrian routes *Improve the durability of Metro’s infrastructure to reduce maintenance *Support the vision of transit-oriented communities Following a thorough review and evaluation of other leading state-of-the-art transit systems and international best practices for transit station design, Metro developed the Systemwide Station Design in 2012. Utilizing a modular “kit-of-parts” that is streamlined, and adaptable, new Metro stations will be more cost-effective to design, construct, operate, and maintain. The kit-of-parts consists of high quality, high performance architectural materials and elements that can be configured for varying station site conditions, as well as the functional and capacity needs of individual stations. Standardized “kit-of-parts” materials and elements generally consist of: *Consistent identification signage and branding *Stainless steel gateway portals *Modular glass canopies *Fully integrated led lighting *Stainless steel columns The Systemwide Station Design approach is supported by Metro’s Systemwide Station Design Standards Policy. Adopted January 2018 by the Metro Board of Directors, the policy requires that all future Metro Rail and BRT station designs be in compliance with Metro’s Systemwide Station Design Standards, and follow a consistent, integrated architectural language. The policy also provides opportunities for integrated public art and sustainable landscaping as elements of variability, developed in consultation with the surrounding community. These standards will be updated and refined based on new requirements and innovative design solutions for a growing Metro system.
How are Metro's new Stations like Legos?
Systemwide Design Publications
Integrated Station Design Standards (ISDS) Project
After the Systemwide Station Design Standards Policy was adopted, the Systemwide Design group launched a comprehensive project to expand the kit-of-parts to include more standardized station elements and station types. The Integrated Station Design Solutions (ISDS) project created standards for elements such as lighting, landscaping, furnishings, acoustics, and bird abatement, putting the Systemwide Station Design principles into action and drawing from global best practices and workshops with many with input and consensus from all Metro departments and design disciplines. Design solutions developed under ISDS have been incorporated into Metro’s standards, with some still undergoing testing. White papers for each station element category covered by ISDS can be found below.
Explore ISDS Station Element White Papers
