NYCT STATION PLANNING & DESIGN GUIDELINES

MTA New York City Transit | New York, New York

New York City Transit’s directive was to establish planning and design principles as well as criteria for the comprehensive renovation of all 469 stations in the NYC subway system. The Guidelines established the vision for existing station architecture with principles for design elements including: color, entrance prototypes, platform walls, fare array controls and barriers, ceiling lighting and acoustics, graphics and signage, security and safety. Research led to the rediscovery of the original IND color coding system: wall band color changes correspond to express stops and/or transfer points along the line. Reference standards include space requirements, level of service design standards, and typical details that define and explicate the physical and circulation requirements. Completed in 1993, the Guidelines are a living document that evolves as operational needs change.

Station renovations following the Guidelines will affirm the system’s late 19th | early 20th century engineering heritage and incorporate new ideas and technologies to extend the life of the transit system. The Guidelines remain the authoritative reference for current MTA NYCT station renovations.

As the Associate and project architect for Prentice & Chan Ohlhausen, Ann Marie Baranowski AIA was responsible for writing the guidelines, conducting client interviews, coordinating with MTA departments, and directing the project’s consultant team.