KGP design studio: bicycle transit center

'bicycle transit center' by KGP design studio, washington, d.c
images courtesy of KGP design studio


KGP design studio has seen completion of 'union station bicycle transit center', a proposal that
was initially launched by the district of columbia's department of transportation.

the facility which is located outside of washington's union station is designed to be a highly
visible catalyst in the promotion of bicycle use. the enclosure is strategically placed between two
turn-of-the-century landmarks - union station and the post office - to meet the needs of thousands of
tourists and commuters who pass through the transportation hub on a daily basis.



aerial night view


the 1,750 square foot mixed use facility is divided into two main programs that incorporate bike
storage and services including bike rentals and repairs. in total the structure provides secure parking for
150 bicycles, non-secure parking for 40 bicycles, short term parking for 10 bicycles, changing rooms
with 40 short and long term lockers, a 450 square foot retail space and 50 square feet of storage.



view from the street


offsetting the verticality of the train station is a gently rising ovular form that defines and delineates
the buildings mass. sight lines flow over the structure so as not to intrude upon the beaux-arts aesthetic
of the surrounding infrastructure. 



view from the plaza


echoing the simplified aesthetic and engineering of a bicycle wheel, the structure implements arched
steel tubes that are supported by a series of 'spokes' or stainless steel tie rods. the 'rim' in pure compression,
balanced and stabilized by the 'spokes' in pure tension, creates an efficient structure composed of glass
and steel. spanning the length of the structure are longitudinal steel pipes. transverse tension members wrap
them and carry the loads to the perimeter of the slab. inherently stable, the woven louvre-like facade
provides an open and flexible space.



the structure contrasts the 'arts beaux' aesthetic of washington's union station


transparent and partially open panels veil the structure, allowing cross ventilation to moderate the interior
temperature when appropriate. during extreme weather conditions, the unit can be enclosed and heated or
cooled mechanically.

further emphasizing the environmental advantages of the building is a rainwater collection system that uses
a portion of run off water from the bike station as well as the plaza to water nearby plant beds.



bike storage interior



detail of structure



detail of structure and cladding



multimodal confluence diagram



site plan



floor plan / level 0



roof plan



west elevation



east elevation


cross section



cross section



south elevation



(from left to right) natural ventilation, cooling by mechanical ventilation, closed louvers for greenhouse effect and cladding effects



axial forces diagram



parking diagram



concept sketch of sectional view



initial concept sketches