Belvedere Transit Centre

Safety and experience get a boost through thoughtful design

Transit & Aviation

The new Belvedere Transit Centre replaces its 35-year old predecessor with a sleek new design that takes its cue from the roofline of the neighbouring LRT building. Glass walls and multiple exits improve safety for transit users with views and paths in and out. The interior features an exposed roof structure with warm wood tones that soften the experience. Public art brightens the space with tropical sculptures that celebrate the diversity of the community. The new centre is a safe, comfortable space to wait for the bus that is bright with daylight and community voices.

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Location
Edmonton, AB
Size
2,282 sq ft
Client
City of Edmonton
Completion
2019
DIALOG Services

Architecture
Electrical Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Mechanical Engineering
Structural Engineering

Collaborators

Golder Associates
K-Rite Construction
Acumen Cost Consulting

An Activated Gathering Space

A positive experience is provided by removing barriers and adding opportunities to socialize and circulate. There is even extra space in the plaza area for food kiosks or market stalls.

Comfortable Seating Areas

We put extra focus on the landscaping of the outdoor areas so people can enjoy their journey. A row of canopy trees behind the seating area provides shade and protects from chilly Alberta winds.

Focus on Accessibility

Multiple points of entry are fully accessible and easy to locate, making it better for transit users to navigate the station and get to where they’re going faster.

Let the Sun Shine In

Natural light was a large focus of the design for the interior. Full glazing not only saves on electricity, but also improves safety by allowing more visibility in and out.

The Team

Making sure there was plenty of greenery and landscaping was an early priority and informed future design decisions.

Early designs also planned for exposed wood materials with a warm tone to soften the experience of the traveler. The exposed wood will also work to diminish loud, echoed noises.

Public art makes this space even more inviting. Local artist Michelle Campos Castillo crafted this “Plantanos” piece to evoke the diversity of the Belvedere community. Arranged to mimic natural growth on trees, these plantains perk up travelers on cold winter days. The bright green colour is designed to pop against the natural wood material and the daylight.

Inspiration was drawn from the neighbouring LRT structure that occupies the same site. The design is in harmony with nearby buildings, while pushing the envelope with a modern aesthetic. The result is a comprehensive transit destination that suits the community it serves.