2025-06-19
Environmental design around transportation hubs

Optimization of traffic flow line organization

Separate design for pedestrians and vehicles

There is a huge flow of people and vehicles around transportation hubs. Achieving the separation of pedestrians and vehicles is the key to ensuring safety and efficiency. Underground passages, overpasses and other three-dimensional transportation facilities can be set up to separate pedestrians and vehicles in the vertical direction. For instance, around some large railway stations, underground passages are constructed to connect each entrance and exit with the surrounding buildings. Pedestrians can directly reach their destinations through the underground passages, while vehicles travel on the ground roads to avoid cross-interference. At the same time, ground roads should be well planned for motor vehicle lanes, non-motor vehicle lanes and bus lanes, with the driving range of each lane clearly defined to reduce the mutual influence between vehicles.

Internal and external transportation connections

The transfer between different modes of transportation (such as subways, buses, taxis, private cars, etc.) within a transportation hub should be convenient and efficient. Reasonably set up transfer channels and indication signs to enable passengers to quickly find the target transfer points. For instance, at the transfer points between the subway and buses, clear guiding signs and spacious transfer passages should be set up to shorten the transfer time. For external traffic, it is necessary to ensure that the roads around transportation hubs have good connections with the main and secondary roads of the city, optimize the setting of entrances and exits, and avoid congestion when vehicles enter and exit transportation hubs.
Environmental design around transportation hubs

Landscape and greening design

Create distinctive landscape nodes

Setting up landmark and attractive landscape nodes around transportation hubs can enhance the quality and image of the surrounding environment. Theme landscapes can be designed based on the cultural characteristics or geographical environment of the location where the transportation hub is situated. For instance, around the transportation hubs of historical and cultural cities, sculptures, squares and other landscapes themed on local history and culture can be created to showcase the cultural heritage of the city. In areas with beautiful natural environments, the surrounding mountain and water resources can be utilized to design waterfront platforms, scenic walkways and other landscapes, allowing people to experience the beauty of nature during their travels.

Increase the green area and vegetation diversity

Greening not only beautifies the environment, but also plays a role in purifying the air and reducing noise. Around transportation hubs, idle Spaces should be fully utilized for greening, such as setting up street green Spaces and rooftop gardens. At the same time, a variety of vegetation is selected for combination, including trees, shrubs, flowers, etc., to form a green landscape with rich layers and diverse colors. For instance, planting tall trees on both sides of the road as street trees, with low shrubs and flowers under them, can not only provide shade but also enhance the ornamental value of the landscape.

The public facilities are well-equipped

Rest and waiting facilities

Considering that passengers may have to wait for a relatively long time around transportation hubs, sufficient rest and waiting facilities, such as benches and sunshades, should be set up. The distribution of these facilities should be reasonable and convenient for passengers to use. For example, benches should be set up at bus stops, taxi waiting areas and other locations to enable passengers to rest comfortably during the waiting process. Set up sunshades in the open-air area to provide passengers with a place to shelter from the sun and rain.

Signage and guidance system

Clear and accurate signage and guidance systems are crucial for passengers' travel around transportation hubs. Various forms of signs should be set up, including ground signs, wall signs, electronic display screens, etc., to provide passengers with clear traffic information, the locations of surrounding facilities and other information. For example, prominent guiding signs should be set up at various entrances and exits, passageways and other locations of transportation hubs to indicate the transfer directions of different transportation modes and the positions of surrounding buildings. The operation information of buses, subways and other means of transportation is displayed in real time on the electronic display screen, facilitating passengers to arrange their trips.

Barrier-free facilities

To ensure the convenience of travel for vulnerable groups such as the disabled and the elderly, it is necessary to improve barrier-free facilities. This includes setting up barrier-free passages, barrier-free elevators, barrier-free restrooms, etc. Barrier-free passages should be kept flat and spacious, with slopes meeting the standards to facilitate the passage of wheelchairs. Barrier-free elevators should be equipped with clear signs and operation buttons to facilitate the use of people with disabilities. Barrier-free restrooms should be equipped with corresponding auxiliary facilities, such as handrails and emergency call buttons.

Layout of commercial and service facilities

Reasonable planning of commercial functions

Based on the passenger flow at transportation hubs and the surrounding demands, rationally plan commercial functions. Commercial facilities such as catering, retail and convenience stores can be set up to meet the basic consumption needs of passengers. For example, some fast food restaurants and coffee shops can be set up inside or around transportation hubs to provide convenient catering services for passengers. Set up convenience stores to facilitate passengers' purchase of daily necessities. Meanwhile, it is necessary to avoid excessive concentration or disorderly distribution of commercial facilities, which may affect traffic and the landscape.

Diversification of service facilities

In addition to commercial facilities, diversified service facilities should also be set up, such as banks, post offices, tourism information centers, etc. Banks can provide financial services for passengers, such as withdrawals and transfers, etc. The postal service can meet the needs of passengers for sending and receiving mail. The tourism information center can provide tourists with services such as travel information and scenic spot recommendations, enhancing the service level and comprehensive functions around transportation hubs.

Safety and emergency management design

Monitoring and security system

Install all-round surveillance cameras around transportation hubs to achieve real-time monitoring of key areas. At the same time, professional security personnel should be equipped, patrol intensity should be strengthened, and potential safety hazards should be discovered and dealt with in a timely manner. For instance, surveillance cameras should be installed at the entrances and exits, transfer passages, parking lots and other locations of transportation hubs to ensure comprehensive monitoring without blind spots. Security personnel should patrol regularly to investigate suspicious individuals and behaviors.

Emergency evacuation passages and facilities

Formulate a complete emergency response plan and set up clear emergency evacuation routes and signs. Emergency evacuation passages should be kept unobstructed and no miscellaneous items should be piled up. At the same time, necessary emergency facilities should be equipped, such as fire-fighting equipment and first aid kits. For example, obvious emergency evacuation signs should be set up on each floor and area of the transportation hub to indicate the evacuation direction. Regularly inspect and maintain emergency facilities to ensure they are in normal working condition.

Environmental design around transportation hubs