I am continually blown away by the variety in station design found in the MBTA subway and light rail system. I feel like every station looks different and each has its pros and cons.
What makes the good ones good and the bad ones bad?
My personal favorite is Arlington Street. In part I like it because it feels like a very urban subway station (read: it reminds me of NYC). Its entrances fit in naturally to the urban form, and on the inside its easy to navigate and the white tile makes it not feel like a cave, which happens to a lot of the other major downtown stations. The new Copley Square is also great, especially the wrought iron headhouse at the Library entrance.
But should all stations have the same design-DNA? I am inclined to say yes, but then I think about a system like DC Metro where all the stations are essentially identical, making it difficult to know where exactly you are in the system.
I think I would trade quick identification for better looking stations. I'd rather be confused about where I am but be in a nice looking place than know instantly where I am but be in a disgusting, dark cave.
What makes the good ones good and the bad ones bad?
My personal favorite is Arlington Street. In part I like it because it feels like a very urban subway station (read: it reminds me of NYC). Its entrances fit in naturally to the urban form, and on the inside its easy to navigate and the white tile makes it not feel like a cave, which happens to a lot of the other major downtown stations. The new Copley Square is also great, especially the wrought iron headhouse at the Library entrance.
But should all stations have the same design-DNA? I am inclined to say yes, but then I think about a system like DC Metro where all the stations are essentially identical, making it difficult to know where exactly you are in the system.
I think I would trade quick identification for better looking stations. I'd rather be confused about where I am but be in a nice looking place than know instantly where I am but be in a disgusting, dark cave.