Quote:
Originally Posted by Busy Bee
In general all of the program station renovations the MTA has underway or has recently completed look snazzy as hell. Whatever architecture firm they partnered with to create the new baseline material and application standards for the station reno's has done a very good job. The Bay Ridge line has seen several station modernizations during the same initiative as well as scattered stations in Manhattan and the Bronx. The combinations of the charcoal offset floor tile, gray and blasted concrete and canopy wood ceilings all look excellent and when paired with a plethora of electronic signage and information screens and new station entrances looks like a million bucks, or more like 15-20 million bucks 
All that said, yes, I agree that some of the new CTA stations are far more cold and prison block feeling than what I would prefer. The Cta seems to be allergic to using warm materials. I don't know if this derives from the iconic 60s-70s design standardization that was unveiled on the expressway lines or what but IMO the Cta would benefit from not using as much stainless steel, galvanized and garish blue accents everywhere. |
Honestly I don't agree. The Astoria Line stations are indeed snazzy now with a nice material palette, but will that wood soffit material still look good after 10 years? Those elevated stations are quite wind-swept. Also, glass railings and windbreaks are susceptible to scratch graffiti and vandalism, which is why CTA now puts perforated stainless steel (at great cost) over any glass elements that are within reach.
And on our end, most of our new stations are pretty good, especially when Ross Barney is involved (Morgan, Cermak, etc). Washington/Wabash is also spectacular with a design by EXP. Wilson is a bit of a disappointment but the need to rebuild the whole elevated structure and totally rebuild the old terracotta buildings put a crimp on the architecture budget for the new portions.
Lastly, I am hesitant to use NY as a model for anything transit-related, given their huge issues with cost control. I'd say both cities are doing well with transit architecture these days, neither city has a clear edge.