10-10-2017, 02:30 PM
(10-10-2017, 11:52 AM)urbd Wrote:(10-09-2017, 11:26 PM)rangersfan Wrote: One thing that would make this development even better would be if the podiums were all connected and the LRT stop was integrated inside the podium like a subway station.
I don't even know if that is technically possible but it would improve the experience for transit riders during inclement weather.
Not really, one of the best things about LRT is that it can create great outdoor places and promote street level activity. With well designed spaces and buildings it is possible to create comfortable environments in all weather conditions. That's why it is always better to make people get out on the street instead of inside shopping malls (in terms of placemaking). Think about the storefronts at Waterloo Town Square along Willis Way, would you prefer to have all of those internally facing, just for the sake or protecting pedestrians from weather while having a blank wall facing the street? Nope, it's better for cities to have outdoor, street facing active spaces.
There is nothing magical about getting rained on that makes for a better place.
Having said that, I agree that poor design can lead to worse places than better design, but the idea that the roof should be blamed for the problems is crazy.
In this particular case, there is no reason why the stores can’t be linked by a covered arcade that reaches over to the LRT station and is attractively designed to be inviting from the street itself (which in this particular somewhat special case just means car traffic on the road and pedestrians on the other side of the road). This could be enclosed at the sides or not; and if enclosed, the enclosure could be large openable panels with careful ventilation design for hot weather.
Also the presence of some sort of covering structure does not preclude the presence of adjacent patios, either open or with awnings or both, and a fully outdoor route along the combined group of buildings.