Reconceptualizing Beijing’s transit station as a neighborhood hub

What can a station mean for local people?

Gehl, in collaboration with Chinese partner CSTC, developed a new design for the station area based on a ‘people-first’ approach. To address key obstacles in accessing the station, pedestrian flows were prioritized, creating new opportunities for people to stay and enjoy the area.

Rather than focusing solely on Transit Oriented Development (TOD) the design approach was broadened to ask what the station could mean and provide for the local area. We called this Neighbourhood Oriented Transit (NOT). The design rationale proposed a station environment and experience that is both attractive to daily transit users passing through the station, and local users using the facilities as a destination in its own right. One overarching focus for the concept design was to optimize the walking and cycling flows to and from the station, as well as the transition between bicycle, bus and metro modes. As part of this work the location of 3500 parking spots for bicycles and mopeds was a key issue. 

The new design was realized in 2022. Liyuan Metro Station is a flagship example of how Beijing’s stations can cater to people and become a valued and necessary destination within local neighbourhoods — not just for transit purposes, but also as a hub for local activities.