Future of Stations 1 This report is a product of collaboration between Arup Foresight and Arup teams across the Contents world. We would like to thank all contributors for their input and advice. Foresight is Arup’s internal think-tank and consultancy which focuses on the future of the built environment and society at large. We help organisations understand trends, explore new ideas, and radically rethink the future of their businesses. We developed the concept of ‘foresight by design’, which uses innovative design tools and techniques in order to bring new ideas to life, and INTRODUCTION to engage all stakeholders in meaningful conversations about change. 5 Foreword For more information, please email [email protected] 6 Six principles 7 Executive summary 8 Drivers shaping the future of multi-modal transit hubs CHAPTERS 10 Human-centred design 20 Digital experiences and value propositions 30 Diversification of spatial uses and facilities 40 Seamless mode and service integration 50 Catalysts for sustainability and resilience 60 Urban regeneration and (social) mobility COVID-19 70 Adapting in times of a global pandemic 72 Implications for future stations October 2020 VISION 74 Welcome to the future station 13 Fitzroy Street 76 Future of stations illustration London W1T 4BQ 78 Future of stations vignettes arup.com foresight.arup.com © Arup 2020 82 References 85 Contributors 87 About Arup ‘HONG KONG STATION’ INTRODUCTION Chad McCail, 1998 Foreword Detail, Pencil on paper, Collection Ove Arup and Partners, No COAP0117 NILLE JUUL-SORENSEN Global Architecture Business Leader, Arup Stations are critical pieces of national and future? Advertising, ticketing and rental urban infrastructure. They are central nodes revenue? The sustainable movement of people for inter- and inner-city mobility, provide and goods? Efficient and low-cost operations? easy access to facilities and services, and are Or stations as an enabler for economic growth enablers of economic growth, regeneration and and social advancement? the development of new communities. Their potential for societal and environmental benefit This report explores the trends shaping new extends far beyond current epidemiological and existing station assets. It focuses on large concerns: stations can play a critical role in the inner-city transport interchanges that combine recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic towards long-distance travel, last mile mobility, and a more equitable and sustainable future. mixed-use commercial offerings, but there are lessons for stations at any scale. It explores As mixed-use hubs for people to move, work, what it may mean to deliver ‘value’ and a shop and meet, stations are a fascinating good ‘return on investment’ in the future. and fast-changing typology. Today, new And it proposes principles we should consider transport modes and business models, digital for the user experience, operation and design lifestyles, changing retail patterns, economic, of a station. environmental and health concerns are inviting the question of what a station can and should The future is never singular. As such, this is look like in the future. not a prediction of what all stations can and should look like. Instead, we offer a summary For owners of station assets, for city planners, of the trends, themes and concepts that will and for designers and developers of stations redefine transport hubs in the long-term, and the challenge is to create and maximise the recommendations to consider in the design, value of investment. This applies to new operation and experience of stations. I hope stations as well as the redesign of existing these stand as a point of departure from where ones. What will determine our understanding we can redefine what a station is, and where it of ‘value’ and ‘return on investment’ in the can take us. 4 5 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Six principles Executive summary Station boundaries should Supported by digital technology and the removal of gate lines and ticketing be porous to support infrastructure, station buildings should dissolve, becoming part of the city to greater access and use ease interchange, reduce operating costs and improve sustainability. Stations should diversify As thresholds blur, the station offer must reflect a wider community of users, Why and how we use transport is changing. how real-time data will improve the legibility beyond transport to with 24/7 operation and new retail and lifestyle trends supporting a variety of This is the result of global urbanisation, digital and efficiency of station spaces for both users embrace convenience amenities, from childcare to public services. lifestyles, and new modes. Global passenger use and operators. of public transport is expected to increase by up to 300% by 2050, while the transport sector as a Ideas for re-imagining and diversifying whole is already the fastest-growing contributor station space are addressed in the next section, Modes should be integrated, Diverse transport options – whether cycles, e-scooters or shared to climate emissions. Stations, as the gateway to accounting for future shifts in how we shop, not just accommodated autonomous vehicles – should be incorporated into, under and through mass transit, have a vital role to play in enabling work and live. This is followed by a focus buildings, prioritising active, shared and low-carbon transport. Charging the former and combating the latter. on mode and service integration, looking at points and the flexible allocation of kerbs will be key. how stations can act as a single simplified This report considers exactly this role, exploring system while also offering new mobility and a future in which station boundaries blur – logistics possibilities. The last two sections see between public and private, physical and digital, future stations as key actors within their wider Excellent user experiences Natural and intuitive wayfinding should make stations legible and efficient. A the building and the city – and where stations contexts, looking at energy and resilience, should be universal digital layer should combine with analogue, human-centred infrastructure to are an enabler for sustainability, well-being and economic vitality and social mobility work for all users, regardless of their needs. and opportunity. respectively. Our research builds on Arup’s recent The key design features and implications of each Transformative Rail report to consider the section are brought together in an illustration, Adaptable buildings and Station design should enable adaptation as needs change. Data-driven impact of multiple trends on the future design, visualising how these factors might appear in an dynamic systems will maximise systems equipped with AI will inform real-time space and mode utilisation, role and experience of multi-modal stations. imagined future landscape. A concluding vision efficiency and resilience as well as efficient energy use and predictive maintenance. It looks first at the importance of creating an of a future station then draws together the key underlying basis of analogue, human-centred findings and themes, and lessons from global infrastructure that works hand-in hand with case studies. It highlights that future stations digital technologies to provide a positive have the potential to go beyond their traditional Station benefits will be Station value must be captured to promote long-term financial sustainability. experience for all. The report then considers the transport function to provide us with multiple environmental and social, By delivering them in partnership, their ability to catalyse local sustainability evolution of digital ticketing and its impact on new destinations – in terms of urban economies, not just economic and bring inclusive growth can be recognised and emphasised. station space, including barrier-free travel, and social inclusion and environmental sustainability. 6 7 INTRODUCTION Drivers shaping the future of multi-modal stations human presenceuser-centricity neighbourhood integration healthy streets inclusion This report is concerned with the future of inclusive growth multi-modal stations, i.e. mobility hubs and big data and AI interchanges that combine multiple forms of digital ticketing sensing environments transport. These are referred to as ‘stations’ digital lifestyleswell-being digital twins T integrated wi- and 5G throughout, with the research and insights ech al n hyper-efcient logistics relevant for various modal configurations. ci ol o og seamless transfers S ic a efcient and exible systems l The modes considered by this report include those available now (walking, cycling, rail, light-rail, metro, ferry, bus), new and emerging cross-sector funding modes (scooters, and various electric, destination stations autonomous or shared modes), as well as future community cohesion regional connectivity c P i capitalising on convenience and unproven modes (Hyperloop, passenger o m l i o district energy schemes t dynamic value creation drones). Consideration has also been given i n c a o new revenue streams to freight, including rail and other integrated personal data l c E freight, delivery drones and cargo bots. responsible business place-making strategic densication The trends illustrated on the next page also dynamic and on-demand services E l point to an increase in non-transport station connected network nvironmenta functions. As such, the research looks beyond renewable energy generation one governing body smart building controls resilient infrastructure ing standards green infrastructure