expertise > Master Planning > Transit-Oriented Development

Akamai Headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Transit-Oriented Development

With projects located in 60 cities around the world, Pickard Chilton has a diversity of experience working in the evolving sector of transit-oriented developments. The many modes of transit, including bicycle, train, bus, and aviation, all play a critical role in moving people through a thriving metropolis. From the defining bicycle culture of Seattle to the mega-transit hubs of Tokyo, purposeful planning knowledge can be acquired from every city. As future urban populations continue to grow, scalable transit and associated developments will play a crucial role in facilitating transit while redefining our urban communities.

Finding Balance with Spatial Equity

A fast, affordable, and efficient transit system is a healthy sign of an equitable city. Ridership of public transit can often be hindered by desolate depots and inconsistent service. Ideal transit-oriented developments welcome users with well-lit, welcoming public spaces where people are comfortable assembling, visiting, and spending time. Maintaining safety at transit station entrances is integral to sustaining the urban fabric of a city. Safe and welcoming street conditions around these community-oriented developments allow pedestrians to easily access transit to reach their destination.

A balanced master plan of ATCO Commercial Centree

The 15-Minute City

The 15-Minute City is an evolving urban design concept in which city dwellers would have access to essential needs and services as well as an enriching daily urban experience within one mile or a 15-minute walk from their residence. Transit-oriented developments that strike a balance between workplaces, residences, shops, dining, and cultural centers support this concept by creating strong neighborhoods within the larger metropolitan ecosystem. Planning attractive pedestrian experiences and easy access to quality transit are integral design qualities. A recent example is the Takanawa Gateway City redevelopment in Tokyo, which has been designed as a next-generation urban environment that symbolizes Japan's openness and is a catalyst for innovative, international companies to create new businesses and cultures.

Related Work

Ample outdoor spaces designed by Pickard Chilton architects

Work > Architecture

600 Fifth

Located in the Penn Quarter district, 600 Fifth Street NW comprises the complete repositioning and renovation of the existing eight-story building plus the addition of three new floors, creating unparalleled views across Judiciary Square to the US Capitol for tenants and visitors.

The high-performance office building fully meets post-COVID health and safety expectations and features state-of-the-art mechanical systems and generous exterior terrace work spaces. The building offers nearly 400,000 square feet (37,000 square meters) of contiguous Class-A office space with 20,000 gsf (1,858 m2) of ground floor retail.

Designed with the users in mind, 600 Fifth holistically reimagines the entire city block. Maximizing natural light and access to fresh air, a series of verdant terraces step up across the building’s façade. At ground level, the public pedestrian experience has been enhanced with a thoughtfully landscaped urban park with a water feature. It is expected that this highly amenitized, next-generation office building will be at the intersection of business, entertainment and culture, and bring new energy and healthful vitality to the District.

Tokyo Midtown Yaesu connected to Tokyo station

News > The Japan Times | 14 March 2023

Tokyo to get major new office spaces this year, but is there demand?

Tokyo’s central areas are known as premium, popular office locations, with a host of major company headquarters concentrated there and upscale workplaces seen as a status symbol.

PG&E Block Redevelopment

Encompassing a full city block in downtown San Francisco between Market and Mission Street, the PG&E site comprises development components that include the 200 Mission office tower redevelopment, historic complex renovation and new 1.25-acre park to complete Hines’ vision. Upon completion, the reimagined projects will breathe new life into the entire transit-oriented block.

The aerial view of our concept design for Global Gateway Shinagawa, the redevelopment of the northern portion of Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station.

Work > Architecture

Takanawa Gateway City

Envisioned as a new global hub connecting Tokyo to the world, Takanawa Gateway City represents the sustainable redevelopment of the northern portion of Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station.

Work > Architecture

Tokyo Midtown Yaesu

Envisioned as a human-scaled and sustainable transit-oriented development, Tokyo Midtown Yaesu is a 240-meter, mixed-use tower with a below-grade transportation hub offering direct access to Tokyo Station.

We are passionate about our clients, our work, and the positive impact of every building we design. If you have a difficult design challenge, contact us to create a solution that realizes your vision.