Roosevelt Avenue Intermodal Station

Queens, NY

Client: MTA New York City Transit
Completion: 2005
Area: 90,000 sf

The Roosevelt Avenue Intermodal Station serves as an entrance and transfer point between the elevated and subgrade subway lines, buses to LaGuardia Airport, and other transit lines for the region. The renovation and expansion of the terminal building provides a modern beacon for the community that is rooted in the historic infrastructure. The roof’s arc brings a graceful line to the utilitarian facility and industrial materials. Various glazing techniques, blue-green terra cotta panels, robust steel detailing, engaging geometry, and clerestory glass murals create a compelling, identifiable civic space. Rather than air conditioning the iconic hub area, as per the program, the designers devised a natural ventilation scheme that utilizes the chimney effect to draw heat out of the station and underground spaces. A skylight system allows daylight penetration and incorporates integrated photovoltaics to power below grade lighting systems.