As work continues (above) on Ottawa’s massive transit-system reconstruction throughout the central area, OC Transpo has unveiled elements of the planned “visual identity” of the LRT stations (below). Jolson Lim, Centretown NewsWith construction of Ottawa’s LRT megaproject pushing toward its 2018 completion target, OC Transpo recently released a gallery of images showing the new rail system’s planned “visual identity.”
At an October meeting of the city’s transit commission, OC Transpo management discussed the design of the LRT stations and how tourists and local residents will be guided to key points by special signage and other features.
Each station will have a distinct red “O” to let commuters know where the entrance is, and will be illuminated with a bright red pylon.
“The red O symbol is a unifying graphic element. It comes from the OC Transpo logo from about 45 years ago,” said OC Transpo assistant general manager Pat Scrimgeour. “It shows it is all integrated. It will all be very clear.”
Scrimgeour said he wants the symbols to be recognizable everywhere and for everyone throughout the city.
Each station will have different architecture, but all will have the desired contemporary look. Stations within the downtown core will be underground, but will still have a sleek entrance at street level. Stations such as Tunney’s Pasture or Tremblay will have entrances at street level and structures two levels in height.
“Tunney’s will be simplified, with an open concept design and wayfinding,” said Scrimgeour.
Scrimgeour emphasized the idea of wayfinding in every station, ensuring every commuter will know their way throughout the modern, and sometimes multi-level stations.
Pimisi Station, to be situated at Lebreton Flats, will also be open- air and multi-level, which will help commuters make bus connections and ensure efficiency.
To add to the cutting-edge look, each station will include real time digital schedules for arrival of the trains.
The designs met with approval from city councillors. Accessibility and tourism issues were the prime focus of their questions to transit officials.
Knoxdale-Merivale Coun. Keith Egli said not everyone would be able to see the red O symbol due to visual impairments, noting the use of red and green might be a problem for people with a kind of colour blindness that makes those two shades virtually indistinguishable.
Scrimgeour assured the councillors that all colours used for the LRT were tested to ensure visual clarity.
“Visitors need to be ensured that the O symbol and stations are recognizable to them. Not everyone lives here,” said Alta Vista Coun. Jean Cloutier. “We need to find a way to educate them.”
Scrimgeour assured Cloutier that visitors should become quickly aware of what the O symbol is because of its clarity and consistency.
OC Transpo general manager John Manconi also assured councillors that the LRT is employing state-of-the-art designs, and compared Ottawa’s new rail system with the ones in other major cities around the world, such as Barcelona and Paris.
“We know tourism is important. Madrid just put out these amazing, detailed maps to help tourists,” said Manconi, suggesting Ottawa could do something similar. “We plan on talking to major destinations, like the Shaw Centre, to help accommodate visitors.”
To add to the planned convenience of the LRT system, OC Transpo also plans to add retail businesses – coffee shops and banks, for example – to the stations.