Embedded Files
The Elevated Station with Side Platform: Such typology present unique challenges for designing a flexible, efficient transit station. This is because the stair and escalator banks (vertical transportation, VT) leading to the concourse are often located on the outside of the main station box. This can create a segregated island, as illustrated below. These stations limit the ability to create inviting common areas, which can then offer retail opportunities, connect to the surrounding community, better way finding, etc. Ideally, stations should function not only as transit hubs but also as vital pedestrian connections within the city.
Side platform design results due to engineering complexity, to specific street conditions, or perception of extra cost? It is debatable if the overall Capex and Opex of a side platform is more beneficial, as they usually tend to have more VT requirements, station box will be volumetrically larger. Hence may have additional capital and operational cost.
Most elevated station configuration will follow the graph above right; Platform on the top, concourse below, street below. The hand sketched arrangement on the page top, right is not as difficult to plan.
Fig. Diagrammatic Side Platform. Shows a 6 car configuration with minimal standard VT configuration
Fig. Concourse Arrangement 1: With two independant hub concourse. This arrangement makes passenger wayfinding challenging, etc. The passengers decision point for the exit choice not only needs to be made at the platform level, but if at the wrong end, they need to walk against the direction of travel. There are also limited connection point to the nominal 150-250m long station box from the surrounding developments/
Fig. Concourse Arrangement 1A: This hybrid arrangement allows for a single passenger lift from the center of the platform, also enabling vital paid connection between the two hub concourse, mitigating wayfinding challenges.
Fig. 2 Concourse Arrangement 2: Minimal station connection arrangement. Wayfinding is sound, but limited connection opportunity to surrounding development
Fig. 2 Concourse Arrangement 2a: Same arrangement as above. Outer corridor allows for station more connection and enable community linkage and enhance catchment.
Fig. Transverse station section, showing environmental design principles
Sustainable Design for Above-Ground Stations
Sustainable Design for Above-Ground Stations
Sustainable design principles can be applied to all above-ground stations. Here's how:
Building Envelope: The station's exterior (envelope) can be designed to allow for natural ventilation and maximize visual permeability. This reduces the reliance on mechanical systems for a comfortable environment while providing a connection to the outdoors for passengers.
Facade Design: The facade, the building's exterior walls, should be designed to keep out rain while allowing maximum outward views. This connection to the surroundings enhances the passenger experience.
Rooftop Sustainability: The large roof area presents opportunities for rainwater harvesting, which can be used for the station or other purposes. Additionally, installing solar panel arrays can significantly offset the station's energy needs. Green roofs can further contribute to sustainability by mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Life Safety Considerations: While statutory requirements like those in NFPA 130 (fire safety standard) are important, some aspects might be more manageable in well-ventilated stations. For example, if smoke can be effectively removed through mechanical ventilation, reduced smoke extraction requirements might be possible. However, smoke simulations are necessary to confirm this and ensure safety.
The Elevated Station with Island Platform: Advantages.
Platform width, + Additional VT
Island platform will always be narrower than side platform. Due to additional VT & space requirements, etc. This effectively will be a larger station box, may mean additional cost.
Platform weather protection, smoke vent
Tracks located on the outside, will shelter the platform from driven rain, whilst allowing both platform and trackside fire, smoke to dissipate to the ambient, whilst also allowing for better cross ventilations.
Wayfinding
Wayfinding for passengers off the trains more intuitive, the only way out is to the concourse below.
Fig. Diagrammatic Island Platform on top.
Layout shows a 6 car configuration with minimal standard VT configuration. Plant needs at platform for such typology will be minimal. The main need here is to plan the VT disposition carefully. The common path of travel requirements in such typology is also not an issue as one can egress across to the other side. Finally if required, introduction of egress stairs at the station ends will be easily met.
Caveat: In the HK MTR, the need for first responder access VT will need this layout to be substantially tweaked.
Fig. Diagrammatic Concourse arrangement on top.
Concourse Arrangement Advantage
The island platform VT arrangement brings the passengers to the middle of the concourse, allowing for many different arrangement of the concourse spaces. Many of which will allow the concourse to be connected via multiple points to the surrounding areas. One of the key feature for this type is that the stairs, footbridges and additional linkages which are connected via the concourse un-paid link, will allow the station box to be the main conduit for public movement in the precinct. Particularly powerful in busy streets, where pedestrian through pass is challenging.
Introduction of retail in such spaces will also be very successful and support the financial viability of transit systems
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse