Updated transportation hub improves commuter experience
Lower Manhattan, home to iconic landmarks One World Trade Center and the New York Stock Exchange, has faced unyielding transit challenges stemming from the proliferation of commuter traffic. Long bearing the burden has been the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Fulton Center, the principal public transportation hub in the region.
To rectify systemic inefficiencies and drastically improve commuter passage, Fulton Center was subjected to a $1.4 billion rehabilitation that was completed in late 2014. The resulting structure is profound in scope, and serves as a decided example of adaptive urban design.
Conceived by Grimshaw Architects, New York City, in collaboration with James Carpenter Design Associates Inc., New York City, and engineering firm Arup, New York City, the new 180,000-square-foot Fulton Center incorporates commercial and retail elements that align with Lower Manhattan’s long-awaited revival. An upward glance and visitors are captivated by the building’s centerpiece: a lucid, 53-foot-diameter oculus engineered as a diagrid of glass and metal. The oculus is configured to capture natural light and redirect it to a grand atrium below.
The renovated Fulton Center’s primary function is to accommodate the throng of over 300,000 daily commuters, which represents 85 percent of all downtown subway riders. Its other function is to provide streamlined access to the 12 subway lines running through the center. This was achieved by establishing a network of strategically placed entrances, stairways, escalators and ramps.
Entrances lining the interior and exterior of the building required doors that yielded depth in function. The doors would need to simultaneously expedite a cohesive flow of foot traffic, meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards, be able to withstand heavy pedestrian traffic, maximize light diffusion and accentuate the overall design intent.
Because Fulton Center is located in a densely populated urban environment with site constraints, a tight construction schedule had to be observed. This called for short lead times from the many trades involved. Despite having two local manufacturers that specialized in balanced doors, the entrance systems were sourced from Los Angeles-based CRL-U.S. Aluminum. The company displayed the manufacturing capacity and distribution capabilities needed to meet the project’s scope and schedule. Premium Series Balanced Doors with power operators were selected and installed in pairs within 45 entryways.
When a Premium Series Balanced Door is opened, pivoting arms cause approximately two-thirds of the door to swing outward and one-third to swing inward. This permits wind and stack pressures to assist, rather than hinder door operation. In addition, spring tensions and closing speeds can both be adjusted without removing hardware.
Accessibility is a deep-seated consideration in any present-day development; as such, Fulton Center was designed to meet all ADA requirements. To integrate with adjacent ADA-compliant systems, CRL-U.S. Aluminum Premium Series Balanced Doors have been fabricated with 10-inch bottom rails and are outfitted with power operators. Ten-inch bottom rails prevent canes, walkers and wheelchairs from accidentally getting caught on the door, while power operators automatically open doors for individuals who are unable to utilize door handles. This provides ADA-compliant, barrier-free access.
All 90 balanced doors were designed, engineered, tested and fabricated in CRL-U.S. Aluminum’s ISO 9001:2008 certified manufacturing facilities. This, along with precision-crafted 316 stainless steel components, produces a highly durable entrance system that will consistently perform under extensive use.
The doors have a brushed aluminum finish that coordinates with surrounding finishes. Thin 1-inch stiles maximize light diffusion and provide all-glass visuals that seamlessly integrate with Fulton Center’s glass railings, retail storefronts and, most importantly, its crowning oculus.
Fulton Center is the first subway station in New York to receive LEED Silver certification. In 2014, it was the recipient of the Project of the Year award by the New York State Society of Professional Engineers. In 2015, it received the prestigious British Construction Industry Award for the International Project of the Year.
The efficacy of Fulton Center’s rehabilitation is evident in the dramatically improved commuter experience. Fluid entrance doors, unobstructed pathways, enhanced passenger circulation, and reduced train-loading times all work in unison to produce a contemporary transit station that presents the new benchmark for public transportation. Fulton Center ultimately succeeds as a dynamic gateway to New York City’s many lively destinations, and as a conduit that helps elevate Lower Manhattan’s economic vitality.
Fulton Center, New York City
Developer: Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Architects: Grimshaw Architects, New York City; James Carpenter Design Associates Inc., New York City
Engineering firm: Arup, New York City
Balanced door manufacturer: CRL-U.S. Aluminum, Los Angeles
Entrance system installers: Enclos Corp., Eagan, Minn.; Ornamental Installation Specialists, Warwick, N.Y.
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Andrew Haring is the vice president of marketing at Los Angeles-based CRL-U.S. Aluminum. For more information, visit www.crlaurence.com.