As our junior studio met with Narberth community members it became apparent that so many Narbs have a “love/hate” relationship with Train Station Circle. This space is crucial to the town as it is the entrance and exit from the train stop, community events spill into it, and from on-site analysis it is clear people want to be here on a Friday evening. However, as is, it is not the welcoming space the community needs it to be. Individually, we conceptualized new ways in which Train Station Circle can better serve downtown Narberth.
Existing plaza at Train Station Circle
Design Concept
When it comes to our home, the front yard is the first and last thing we see. It is our route to and from the outside world. Narberth is a home loved by so many and its front yard should reflect that. This concept recognizes the importance and weight this space carries and aims to create a safe and welcoming destination for the Narberth community to host events and enjoy daily recreation by prioritizing pedestrians and greening the grey.
Design Features
- Reversing vehicular circulation makes navigation through the space clearer to drivers.
- Street parking frees up space for pedestrian usage within plaza while maintaining parking opportunities for locals.
- Clear pedestrian walks aligned with the popular direction of foot traffic allow commuters to efficiently navigate through the space.
- Designated “drop-off” zones encourage temporary vehicular use of the space, while maintaining a safe and pedestrian friendly environment.
- Bike racks on site encourage pedestrian circulation in the space, while a bike lane sets the tone for a bike-friendly environment.
- Plaza areas with tables, chairs, and seat walls offer space for relaxation, socializing, and accommodate community events
- A lawn encourages community members to use outdoor space for events and daily recreation (while the location of the seat wall prevents cut-through traffic on the grass and minimizes upkeep)
- A variety of tree species with varying heights and shapes adds visual interest year-round as well as biodiversity.
- Bio basin planting beds planted with flood resistant trees and grasses, edged with seat walls add sitting space and double as storm water management systems.
- Where paving is necessary, porous brick and asphalt help to reduce run-off and improve storm water management.
- Street parking frees up space for pedestrian usage within plaza while maintaining parking opportunities for locals.
- Clear pedestrian walks aligned with the popular direction of foot traffic allow commuters to efficiently navigate through the space.
- Designated “drop-off” zones encourage temporary vehicular use of the space, while maintaining a safe and pedestrian friendly environment.
- Bike racks on site encourage pedestrian circulation in the space, while a bike lane sets the tone for a bike-friendly environment.
- Plaza areas with tables, chairs, and seat walls offer space for relaxation, socializing, and accommodate community events
- A lawn encourages community members to use outdoor space for events and daily recreation (while the location of the seat wall prevents cut-through traffic on the grass and minimizes upkeep)
- A variety of tree species with varying heights and shapes adds visual interest year-round as well as biodiversity.
- Bio basin planting beds planted with flood resistant trees and grasses, edged with seat walls add sitting space and double as storm water management systems.
- Where paving is necessary, porous brick and asphalt help to reduce run-off and improve storm water management.
Inventory & Analysis
Existing conditions
On-site analysis shows Train Station Circle as a small existing plaza set within a congested and hazardously designed parking lot. This lot serves as a wrap-around drive for the train stop, as well as parking for downtown shops. My own analysis focused on vehicular usage at a high time such as 5pm on a Friday night, which revealed far more cars entering the site were parking than making a temporary stop. Tight, one-way circulation had traffic backed up down Haverford ave. This analyses revealed a need to make this space a more pedestrian friendly environment, while keeping vehicular access to the back parking lot in tact.
Data taken on site
Further research included how the space within and in front of station circle is used during the many events the Narberth community hosts throughout the year. The eight events analyzed are the largest to take place in and around Station Circle on Haverford ave, having the highest impact on the use of this space, as well as the vehicular traffic around it. A final compilation of overlays shows concentration of event usage in front of Station Circle specifically at the corner of the Meta-technical building. In the final design this space should contribute to the community by accommodating crowds and event activities
Event Overlay Compilation
Construction Documents
Layout Plan
