ID: 10012

Federal Shed

Federal Shed, Randy Plemel

Boston has an impressive history of residential and commercial architecture, with a large portion being composed of buildings from the Federal and Georgian period. Taking inspiration from this existing context, the Federal Shed is composed of a simple dominant gable roof, supported on a painted steel truss, set on precast concrete columns. 

The Federal Shed is composed of a kit of parts, which allow flexibility across neighborhoods and stop types.

The Gable

Gable Roofs are found throughout Beacon Hill and Back Bay as both dormers and the main roof. Using the gable creates a simple yet iconic image for customers to locate BRT stations. Additionally, historical subway head houses utilized the gable roof with rounded ends to denote entry.

Our gable comes in two versions: end caps and 15'-0" body lengths allowing for quick installation on site and customization: small stations of 30'-0" long, medium length station of 60'-0", and XL lengths of 76'-0" long platforms. This also allows additional amenities - such as Hubway or personal bike storage - to be sheltered by the gable as space is available. The gable comes with three different finish options: wood shingles for residential areas, slate tile for historic neighborhoods, and flat-seam terne coated steel for commercial districts. 

The Truss

The steel truss supports the gable roof and allows for two different column placements based on need: a single centered or two perimeter columns. It also supports the facades, creating maximum door placement. The Truss is simply painted in white paint. 

Columns

The columns are precast, high finished smooth concrete with affordances for multiple accessories as required. The columns can hold ticket vending machines, wayfining signs (both electronic and normal), and are armatures for seating and trashcans. They feature up-lights to bathe the ceiling and waiting area with light.

Platform

This design allows maximum flexibility for 10’-0” to 12’-0” wide platforms, of any length in a module of 15’-0” and any vertical clearance with the addition of an ADA 1:20 ramp with 5’-0” landings. The platform is composed of slip-resistant slate tile, evoking the streets of Beacon Hill. The platform edges are finished with high viz Detectable Warning Surface.

Facade

The simple tempered glass facade is an optional element, and can be installed anywhere on the Steel Truss. Openings for automatic door control are offered for regular and long buses and can be posited along the length of the Steel Truss as required. The façade can be installed on a single side, or on both sides, and offers an end cap.

Seating

Two types of seating is provided: concrete plinths and steel "standing leaning bars" which can be installed as required throughout the waiting area. 

Wayfinding

Space is provisioned for the MBTA’s existing overhead digital wayfinding, in addition to the direction and map signage found in every MBTA station. Additional arrival information is provided through a dedicated monitor showing BRT headways and arrival time.