The existing Washington Street has two-way traffic flanking the existing light rail line. This proposal would make the road bulge out in order to accommodate the light rail station. The traffic speed is 45 MPH; people drive much faster than that.

In the case of the station I decided to introduce a canopy. Considering the wide open nature of the road at this location having it turn would slow traffic. Raising the roadway creates a large speed bump – effectively pinching the road from all sides - the turn, the canopy and a sudden rise in elevation.

The train platform is 14” above the tracks. Grading this area to raise the sloped crosswalk took out the need for “ramps”. I think the more we can creatively grade our sites, the less restrictions we place on those who need ramps. It also achieves a better looking environment, and removes the psychological barrier for those who are truly impaired – I think this is equitable. Granted, some sites will need ramps, but they do not have to look like “ramps.”

One pet peeve of mine is to see a ramp look like an ARE (Architect Registration Exam) exercise. Come on now … we can do better than that profession.

This particular design is based on the existing light rail motif Phoenix has already built; the contest asked we respect the existing rail lines. I think this is also a good idea; why not take the best of an existing structure and riff on it? All the great music composer's did variations on themes.

Rather than slam the old design to the ground I kept with the same color and same basic layout. However, there are no canopies above the street now. They do not use space frames or vertical braced frames - these are my contributions. The existing sails have opposing curves, I opted to have one curve that broadly went across the seating areas - a clean stroke with less visual distractions. Also, given the existing stations use sails, I took the curved concept and even modified the tips of the columns - details the previous designers did not consider. I think it is equitable to honor what is there.

With small modifications it becomes a believable street scene – a place meant for people. Thinking of stations as destinations can be helpful, too. They are more than places of transition, or they can be.

The canopy uses a space frame and allows for an airy, yet still strong design. If a massive 36” beam had been used, you could make the span. You could achieve the goal. I have not calculated pounds of steel for beams versus space frames – but presume it to be lighter, and have less environmental impact.

Introduction of art pedestals flanking the road harkens back to the Campidoglio in Rome. Michelangelo made fine entrances.

These ones are on the down traffic side and do not interfere with site visibility triangles. I think modern architecture should heavily embrace classicism. But when you observe this rendering it is not classical. It is a blend of old and new.

This equitable word has guided me in this concept, and I plan to refine what it means to me. I hope it means something for you.