INTRODUCTION The construction of New York City’s underground railroad, popularly known as the subway, was begun in 1900 when Mayor Robert Van Wyck ceremonially broke ground at City Hall. The first line, still called the IRT by New Yorkers, was completed in 1904. It was celebrated as a great marvel of engineering and civic achievement. The contract for construction contained the following somewhat unusual provi- sion: “The railway and its equipment as contemplated by the contract constitute a great public work. All parts of the structure where exposed to public sight shall therefore be designed, constructed and maintained with a view to the Fig. 1: beauty of their appearance, as well Guastavino tile vault- ing in abandoned as to their efficiency.” City Hall Station, circa 1904. This mandate for beauty in a public work was carefully followed and many stations in the system were splendid combina- tions of technology and art. This concern for high standards of design as applied to the development of the stations directly reflected their significance as civic archi- tecture. Since that propitious beginning, time and frequent usage have taken their toll on the system's 468 stations. The Station Rehabilitation Program has been established to provide for returning stations to a “state of good repair” which Fig. 2: is defined as the point at which all the Refurbished Astor major elements of a station are brought to Place Station. a 35 year life cycle. Design criteria for the Although recon- rehabilitation of stations established in structed in 1986, new materials are this manual will guide the program effort influenced by and as well as serve as a reference for other respect existing station improvement projects. design elements. NYCT DESIGN MANUAL SEPT 2009 INTRODUCTION - 1 The goal of the New York City implementation of this manual will bring Transit is to provide a safe, reliable, the system to that state of beauty and cost-effective and customer-oriented efficiency envisioned by the original public transportation system. Clean well- builders. lit, inviting stations directly affect people’s sense of well-being and security and are essential in attracting riders to the system. This manual sets forth principles and establishes design guidelines for the comprehensive rehabilitation and other improvements of stations. With many station rehabilitation projects already completed, it is evident that the Fig. 3: Euclid Ave. station on the IND line, circa 1948. NYCTA DESIGN MANUAL SEPT 2009 INTRODUCTION - 2 Quick Start Guide to the Guidelines To Find See Page General Guidelines. General Scope of Work. RS1.1 Design Principles . .DP-1 Safety Requirements . Security and Safety . .17.1 Lighting . .16.1 Customer Services. Agent Booths. 3.1 Fare Array, Controls . And Barriers. .. .12.1 Accessibility. .9.1 Communications. .7.1 Fare Control Areas. .Agent Booths. .3.1 Fare Array, Controls . And Barriers. .12.1 Level of Service . Standards. RS3.1 ADA Requirements. ..Accessibility. 9.1 Materials. Ceilings. 5.1 Floors. .13.1 Walls. .19.1 Stairs. Entrances. .10.1 Stairways and Railings. .18.1 Artwork. Art and Preservation. 4.1 NYCT DESIGN MANUAL JUNE 2010 GENERAL INFORMATION -GN- 1 GENERAL INFORMATION SYSTEM MAP The NYCT Route/Section Map, listed under Reference Standards "RS-4", shows the locations of the above ground and underground NYCT Stations, as well as other useful transit system information. The stations are located in four boroughs; Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. STATION CLASSIFICATION Each NYCT station is classifi ed as a BMT, IRT or IND Division station and is further classifi ed by Line name and station type. The following table shows the number of stations and lines, their Division, and station type. DIVISION STATIONS LINES SUBWAY ELEVATED OPEN AIR BMT 141 12 58 55 28 IRT 177 14 101 71 5 IND 150 12 118 27 5 TOTAL 468 38 277 153 38 NYCT DESIGN MANUAL JUNE 2010 GENERAL INFORMATION - GN-2 DESIGN PRINCIPLES INTRODUCTION PRINCIPLES The formulation of comprehensive and Clean, bright stations which convey a unified design guidelines for the New sense of order are generally perceived as York subway system is important because secure. It is as important to establish the it is a complex and diverse system with perception of a secure environment as it lines and stations of different character is to introduce physical, mechanical, or and design. electronic devices to provide security. The first subway stations, the IRT and Considerations of safety and ac- the BMT, constructed at the beginning of cessibility are fundamental to good the 20th century, were designed in the station design. The established stan- Beaux Arts style. By 1935, when work on dards for fare controls, railings, handrails, the IND line had begun, station design edge strips and other devices must be reflected the revolutionary changes in followed. architecture as Modernism swept away the Beaux Arts tradition. Materials and components selected are to be easily cleanable, durable and These generic line differences, which replaceable if damaged. Proposed reflect the changes from the Victorian, improvements should minimize service through the Arts and Crafts, to the Modern disruptions during the construction period, characterize the system today. phase. The original character of stations should A palette of materials and colors for be maintained or expressed wherever station finishes are specified as the possible with new elements and re- design vocabulary for all stations. The quirements integrated with the old. The selection is limited not only to achieve best approach is one which recognizes economies in construction and main- generic line differences and coordinates tenance but also to establish a clear old and new elements. It is the middle visual order and identity for the system. ground between strict historic restoration and comprehensive modernization that The visual clutter and sense of confusion this manual addresses. created by the proliferation of different materials, advertising, signage, con- cessions, conduits and service equipment should be addressed by eliminating unnecessary or abandoned elements and by careful coordination of all the work. All stations should include art work as an integrated part of station architecture. Stations with original decorative art that is historically significant may not require the addition of new art. Station design should strive for visual coherence and clarity. The original Fig. 1: character of stations should be "Flying Wheels" logo maintained or expressed wherever used as early id- possible with new elements and entification of the Interborough Rapid requirements incorporated with the old. Transit System. NYCT DESIGN MANUAL SEPT 2009 DESIGN PRINCIPLES - 1 STRATEGIES SUMMARY Station design should strive for visual 1. Apply comprehensive and uniform coherence, clarity and simplicity. The design guidelines to all stations. three strategies for doing so are outlined as follows: 2. Preserve, or replicate in spirit, the original character of stations with PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION new elements integrated to comple- Where practicable and desirable the ment the old. original character of a station should be maintained, with new work integrated to 3. Recognize and express generic line complement the original design elements. differences. Original finishes and materials should be retained and repaired, rather than 4. Remove all unnecessary or aban- replaced, to the extent feasible. This doned work. Coordinate the place- strategy is mandated for all work on ment of all new work. stations with landmark designation which must be reviewed and approved by the 5 . Make stations safe, secure, and ac- New York City Landmarks Commission. cessible. REHABILITATION 6. Introduce new lighting and floor ma- terials that make stations clean, This strategy provides for replacement of bright and secure. existing work with new materials and finishes in the spirit of the original 7. Select materials, components and station as recommended in the Design systems which are durable and eas- Guidelines. ily maintained. RECONSTRUCTION 8. Establish and conform to a limited In stations where the preservation/ palette of materials and colors. restoration or rehabilitation strategies are not feasible, new materials, finishes and 9. Retain original art and promote the components may be introduced. The integration of art, graphics, and ar- design intent of this strategy is to establish chitecture. compatibility with the design principles in these guidelines and with stations or 10. Base design decisions on life cycle portions of stations that have been modified cost analyses of proposed materi- in accordance with the strategies stated als, components and systems. above. ACCEPTANCE OF EXISTING CONDITIONS For stations in good repair, acceptance of station elements in their existing condition without mandating conformance to the Design Guidelines is subject to review by the NYCT. NYCT DESIGN MANUAL SEPT 2009 DESIGN PRINCIPLES - 2 CEILINGS INTRODUCTION Ceilings of underground subway stations are typically exposed concrete and/or steel structural systems which support the street system above. In addition to providing stability, these structures are like a building’s roof and must keep water out. Therefore, the priority is to insure structural stability and to prevent penetration of moisture and water. Ceilings of above ground stations typically consist of exposed concrete and/or steel structural systems at the control area (frequently the underside of trackway