Interface Master's Thesis Project | 2010

This project investigates the thresholds of change that are inherent to a rail station. Current models in the United States are extremely utilitarian in nature. Instead, cities should strive to house stations that are energetic, engaging gateways; buildings that create a true sense of arrival and destination. Rail travel is finding new life in this country and architecture must respond. Station design should invoke the romantic sentiments that travel once did. With the future expansion of Wisconsinâ€™s rail network and Milwaukeeâ€™s transit system, the current Intermodal Station does not adequately meet the regionâ€™s needs. This project carefully reacts to the systems of site, program, movement, time, and culture. Located in a challenging site, this design addresses infrastructure as an urban healer, not a divider.

Rail expansion is happening at multiple levels in this country. Cities need to prepare with stations that are not only effective in moving people, but are powerful gateways to the city.

A folded plate structural system was chosen for its strength and flexibility. It also gave the shed the desired rhythmic effect of solid -void. Studies were done to determine the desired geometry that included skylights over the three platforms.

The flexibility of the folded plate system allowed for the shed to react to certain conditions that acted upon it. It began with a normal condition but as the city or program acted on it the shed had to react creating a fluid and dynamic structure.

Site plan showing local context and how the station reacts to the city. The building form reacts to contextual axes while the landscape reacts to the building.

Ground floor plan includes ticket hall, retail, restaurants, offices, and regional bus waiting area.

Second floor includes a larger restaurant, restrooms, and large, conditioned waiting area.

TOP SECTION: Through the waiting area and City Staircase. MIDDLE SECTION: Shows all levels of the building and the pedestrian bridge in elevation. LOWER SECTION: Long section through the train shed.

Physical model showing the scale and context of this project.

This view shows the project as it sits on the river. The rivers and the interstates frame the small neighborhood that this project is located in. This has always been the historic location for Milwaukee's train stations.

A closer view of the model focusing on the smaller portion of the shed, used by trains arriving and departing from the south.

This detailed photo captures the sheds shifting, rhythmic structure and how it effected the river walk landscape design.

As one exits the train he/she finds himself under the large folded plate structure. To make sure that the passenger doesn't get disoriented, views to the south showcase the river while large, glass curtain walls to the North keep downtown in view.

This project is all about points of interface (transition). A traveler deserves a series of gateways into the city, a ceremonial transformation from one place to another and a strong transitional tool is the staircase.

The waiting area offers a comfortable, climate controlled area for travelers to wait without being subjugated to the extreme Wisconsin climate. Large eastern windows provide panoramic views of the city, again allowing the traveler to keep landmark keys.

A large, spilling staircase leads the passenger from the waiting area into the main concourse and ticket hall. Before descending the staircase the traveler is offered a panoramic view of downtown Milwaukee.

The final transition from train to city is the large plaza on St. Paul Avenue. The entrance projects from the larger shed structure, offering the traveler a much more human scale moment of transition that isn't as overwhelming.

This view shows the connection of the pedestrian bridge that slices through the shed structure connecting downtown to the North to the Harley-Davidson Museum to the South.

As an urban healer, this large infrastructure project focused on enhancing the city experience. A major component of this focus was the pedestrian bridge that would connect downtown Milwuakee to the Harely-Davidson Museum.

This rendering gives a good overview of the project. Showcasing the shed, concourse, and riverwalk with the city in the background.