Phoenix Light Rail Transit Project

Valley Metro Rail, Phoenix, Arizona

The pavement temperature at the height of summer in Phoenix can reach 140-150 F. When the City began planning the $1.1 billion Central Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail project, it sought a new approach to station shelter design. TranSystems' solution called for replacing the typical metal awnings with horizontal and vertical overlapping fabrics. Overlapping canopies create nested pools of shade, lowering the temperature further. The design also includes a skydome to release hot air rather than trapping it in the shelter. Carefully selected and positioned plantings throughout the station draw some of the remaining heat away while adding the colors and textures of an oasis.