Big Blue Bus Maintenance Facility

Santa Monica, California

“This project has exceeded our expectations, both in its environmental and functional design and in its overall execution. This new facility and its increased capacity yard will allow the Big Blue Bus to smoothly transition into the future so we can better serve the community for many years to come.”

- P. Lamont Ewell

Santa Monica City Manager

SIZE

65,300 sq. ft. Services fleet of 204 buses

SERVICES

Architecture Master Planning Interiors

AWARDS

American Public Works Association 2010 Best Project of the Year

American Public Transportation Association 2011 Outstanding Service Award

AIA San Fernando Valley 2012

Citation Award

APWA Public Works Project of the Year

Santa Monica selected HOK to design a new bus maintenance building, bus parking and maintenance yard to accommodate its fleet of more than 200 conventional and articulated buses. The project allows the Big Blue Bus system to increase its fleet size, better serve surrounding communities and showcase the city’s commitment to the environment.

HOK’s master plan for the facility allowed for construction in multiple phases to give clarity and flexibility to the overall site and to maintain continuous operations at a minimal impact to service.

Focused on sustainability, the project includes high-albedo concrete in the vehicle maintenance yard, recycled building materials, reclaimed water for irrigation and photovoltaic panels. The building also takes full advantage of Santa Monica’s climate by maximizing natural light through abundant windows and glass garage doors.

Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 Rail Station

London, UK

Filled with natural light, the rail station enhances the passenger experience at Heathrow and connects to the London Underground.

HOK led the design team for the rail station connecting Heathrow Airport to the London Underground rapid transit system. The station includes six platforms: two for the London Underground Piccadilly Line extension, two for Heathrow Express and two safeguarded platforms for the extension of heavy rail service west of Heathrow.

The design provides a seamless travel experience with a natural flow from station to terminal. Passengers access a bank of glass-enclosed elevators from each of the station platforms that lead directly to the departure level of the main terminal building. Arriving passengers can access the same elevators from the arrivals level.

A transparent roof enhances the passenger experience, filling the platform level with natural light that supports orientation and wayfinding. The roof’s lightweight ETFE material also insulates the terminal, reducing the amount of energy required to heat and cool the station.