With a focus on people-first infrastructure and vibrant public spaces, the design framework, created by ATP in partnership with UNStudio, HKS, and Gehl, lays the groundwork for how the light rail will engage with Austin's neighborhoods. 

With its world-class architectural and urban design, Austin Light Rail Phase 1 is more than just a transit project—it is a vision for the future of the city that will reinvent urban mobility. The system, which is operated by Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), aims to improve public space, link communities, and blend in with the city's changing urban fabric.

The Austin Light Rail Phase 1 will significantly alter how people move about Austin. The project will provide a brand-new transit experience with 15 stations covering about 10 miles of train network, linking passengers to important employment hubs, educational institutions, and well-known Austin locations. 

Greenway render

A new bridge over Lady Bird Lake, more tree canopy for shaded urban corridors, and a large number of new bike and pedestrian walkways are also part of the project. 

A Design-Driven Approach to Mobility and City Building:

In order to make sure that the system captures the essence of the city, ATP worked closely with the consulting team headed by UNStudio, HKS, and Gehl. Together, Gehl, HKS, and UNStudio created a design framework that emphasizes multimodal, intuitive connectivity while creating lively transportation hubs for local business activation, social engagement, and the expression of Austin's distinct personality.

Oltorf Station render

People-Centered Performance-Based Design

After conducting an in-depth study, UNStudio, HKS, and Gehl created performance goals at several levels, ranging from site-specific opportunities to system-wide components and individual user journeys. 

Sustainability, neighborhood integration, and diversity serve as the guiding principles for the final design guidelines: firstly, every station is intended to be customized to the neighborhood in which it is located, establishing unique public areas that welcome the public and promote alternate forms of transit.

The Drag Station render

Secondly, tree-lined streets and shady public spaces are examples of sustainable solutions that will contribute to the creation of a cozier and friendlier urban setting. Thirdly, to enable multi-modal connectivity, the system will interface with transit, bike, and pedestrian networks. 

In order to guarantee that every element improves accessibility, comfort, safety, navigation, and cognitive impulses for all passengers, the design team's approach incorporates these factors across the network. 

There is more to the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 project than just infrastructure. The light rail will become an essential tool for strengthening ties and developing thriving community centers if it is seamlessly integrated with the current neighborhoods and other forms of transportation.

Train Lake

UNStudio's footprint in North America is further cemented by the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 project, which is anchored by our Austin office and reinforced by its global operations in places like Amsterdam. This project is a component of an expanding body of work that shows its capacity to provide design solutions that are transformative at all scales and typologies.

UNStudio projects in North America include: Georgetown University Capitol Campus Master Plan - a visionary approach to creating an academic hub in the heart of Washington D.C., emphasising the interplay between the campus, the city and the community.

Innovation Triangle in Detroit - a pilot for urban transformation of downtown Detroit on basis of Cognitive Experience Design parameters. Firefly Park Master Plan in Frisco, Texas, aiming strengthening Frisco as a high-end public local destination while responding to environmental conditions.

Moreover, Utopia Living in New York - a mixed-use development that reimagines urban living in an economic and innovative way, whereby community building is central. Finally, the Jewish Museum in New York, a thoughtful modernisation of a beloved institution, preserving the heritage of the existing museum while providing a vibrant new visitor experience.

Project credits

Client: ATP (Austin Transit Partnership)
Design team: UNStudio, HKS, Gehl - Architecture and Urban Design, Community Engagement
UNStudio: Design Lead, Cognitive Experience Consultancy, Community Engagement
HKS: JV and Design Partner
Gehl: Public Realm and Community Engagement

Team UNStudio: Ben van Berkel, Caroline Bos, Frans van Vuure, Marianthi Tatari with Roman Kristesiashvili, Raul Forsoni, Ren Yee, Josey Shaw, Justin Brammer, Pere Maicas, Huey Chan, Leon Hansmann, Kevin Kunnappilly, Bernard Chiang, Yue Ma, Riccardo Persie, Samuel Toole, Yubo Ji, Zuzanna Montwill, Shaghayegh Shayan, Caterina Micucci, Alfiia Khabibullina, Maria Di Diego, Artemis Kyriakou, Aigul Sadrtdinova, Derrick Diporedjo, Arian Choroomi, Jose Sanmartin Gonzalez, Gustavo Van Staveren, Andrii Chudinov, Lucie Pressl, Cagdas Delen, Benjamin Davey.

The top image in the article: Pleasant Valley render. 

Artist conceptual visualizations © Austin Transit Partnership (ATP).

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