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Super Stops | 183
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Super Stops

by Kristen Vennum

The largest component of the Lynx Transit System, the bus shelter, is designed on a 15' x 15' module. Landscape Architects coordinated a complete "kit of parts" for the Lynx system, including waste receptacles, lighting and innovative site furnishings.

The Lynx Transit System is one of Central Florida's most successful transit systems. The design concept for the superstops and neighborhood shelters is based on a kit of parts, developed by Landscape Architects at Herbert•Halback, Inc., which includes colorful shelter components, site amenities, and signage-- all with a distinctive identity to unify the system. These modules can be assembled to suit a variety of situations-- from a basic stop, with only a transit system sign, to a superstop with information kiosks, shelter, seating, landscaping and accommodations for multiple bus staging. Located in west Orlando, the Washington Shores superstop is one of the first superstops to be implemented by the Lynx "Central Florida Regional Transit authority." This transit facility has had a positive reception, not only because of a high level of community involvement, but also because the design itself promotes safety and discourages vandalism. Herbert•Halback's on-staff crime prevention through environmental design specialists were heavily involved in the design of this project. This is especially important in an area where neighbors and businesses are concerned about the impact of such a large public gathering space. Each component in the kit of parts was designed to maximize safety and reduce maintenance.

These shelters are built to withstand hurricane force winds, and on a day-to-day basis they protect the pedestrian from sun and rain. Side panels reduce maintenance, enhance circulation, and increase visibility. This creates an open gathering space that allows users to watch for buses and prevents blind spots and the resulting crime opportunities. The paving imprint of the Lynx paw icon promotes wayfinding and corresponds with the signage, but there are several other subtle paving techniques that protect the user and find comfort. Rubberized, resilient paving has more "give" than ordinary paving, creating a place to pause and relax. Lighting fits into the existing structures-- either attached to the sign poles or specialty lighting in the shelters. Solar power technology reduces cost and eliminates unsightly wiring. Nighttime illumination reinforces the open, user-friendly space. The Landscape Architects also chose a self-healing paint that responds to chipping or scraping by self-healing, preventing rust.

The Lynx system bus shelter program is a prime example of how a Landscape Architecture firm conceived and executed a project of national significance and local community value, assisting one of the nation's best transit systems to link a tri-county area. lasn

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