Stillwell Avenue Terminal Train Shed

Photo credit: Adam Friedberg

Overview

• Location: New York, NY
• Building type(s): Transportation
• 50% new construction, 50% renovation
• 80,000 ft2 (7,430 m2)
• Project scope: a single building
• Urban setting
• Completed May 2004

Coney Island's Stillwell Avenue Terminal is the largest above-ground station in New York City's subway system. After years of deferred maintenance, the 90-year-old station was redesigned by New York City Transit's in-house design staff. The train shed's new arched-truss structure covers four platforms and eight tracks.

The train shed was designed to meet demanding maintenance, durability, and operations requirements. It stands as a major civic gesture, promoting the use of renewable energy, acting as a catalyst for the revitalization of Coney Island, and providing the public with a beautiful and convenient transit facility.

This project was chosen as an Honorable Mention in the AIA Committee on the Environment Top Ten Green Project Awards for 2007. It was submitted by Kiss + Cathcart, Architects, in Brooklyn, New York. Additional project team members are listed on the "Process" screen.

Environmental Aspects

The project's most dramatic green feature is its improvement of the comfort, aesthetics, safety, and durability of a subway station, promoting the use of public transportation. The project celebrates Coney Island's character and history and has catalyzed a regeneration of the area.

The glass and steel structure employs a panelized construction system of photovoltaic panels. Rated at almost a quarter of a megawatt, the solar installation is among the largest in the country. This was a first-of-its-kind application, where low-cost, thin-film photovoltaic panels were combined with clear glass in custom glazing units to provide the right balance among shelter, daylighting, and electricity generation.

Owner & Occupancy

• Owned and occupied by New York City Transit Authority, Local government
• Typically occupied by 0 people, 0 hours per person per week; and 50,000 visitors per week

About 2,600,000 riders visited the station in 1994-1995; ridership has since increased.

Keywords

Green framework, Transportation benefits, Lighting control and daylight harvesting, On-site renewable electricity, Durability, Recycled materials, Connection to outdoors, Daylighting, Natural ventilation

next topic: Process

Our thanks to the ENERGY STAR program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and to the U.S. Department of Energy, and to BuildingGreen, Inc. for hosting the submission and judging forms.

For more information about the AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects, contact AIA/COTE. For help on how to use this Web site, contact .