Platform and Canopy Concept Design
The canopy design was a frequent topic of discussion at the Open House, with several community members expressing confusion about its design and the materials being used.
Current Platform Design & Information
The current platform experience includes an overhead glass canopy that partially covers the length of the platform, with glass shelters in the center. This design leaves gaps where customers are exposed to weather elements like wind, snow, and rain. This limited coverage can lead to an uncomfortable experience for riders due to snow and ice accumulation, requiring a lot of maintenance resources to keep clear and slip-free. The current design of the center platform waiting areas includes many pillars and panes of glass that block clear sightlines and movement.
Materials: The current canopy and shelters are made of large, glass panels that have been damaged easily and frequently. When glass is broken, it is challenging to bring the new glass panes up to platform due to their weight, and large equipment is needed. The current canopy design allows birds to nest overhead, creating a mess on the glass that is difficult to clean due to the height and size.
Image of the glass shelters in the center of the platform, which show that it is difficult to see across the platform.
Image from the street-level bus stop looking up to the platform. The sides of the canopy structure are open.
Proposed Platform Design & Information
To address these issues, we propose a design that provides more full coverage to the platform to provide more comfortable conditions for customers and promote an easier-to-maintain station. With the renovation, the canopy will cover the full length of the platform and a windscreen will be added to provide weather protection. This design allows natural air to flow through the platform while buffering rain, snow, and harsh winds.
Materials: The canopy will have perforated metal screens on the outside walls for durability and airflow. The roof will be a solid material with skylights to provide areas of shade and sun, and full protection from rain and snow. The roof and windscreens will allow natural lighting for the platform.
Why a larger canopy? The extended canopy will help reduce snow and salt buildup on the platform, providing extra weather protection for customers waiting for the METRO Blue Line.
Note: The photos shown are renderings and illustrate what the proposed canopy could look like.
Perforated Metal walls/screens references:
Perforated metal is a common material at Metro Transit stations. You may have seen and experienced it at the Green Line’s West Bank Station and at Orange Line stations. Below are reference pictures to help you envision what perforated metal windscreen could look like at Lake Street/Midtown Station.
Perforated metal panes at Orange Line stations
Metal mesh panels at West Bank Station