Transportation Stations That Really Move

Jacksonville, Florida, is the largest city in the United States, in square miles that is. The long-term effects of congestion and a growing need for public transportation led to the development of a master plan and the design of a series of public transportation stations throughout the city. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority challenged project architects and engineers with developing a solution for public access to and from the automobile parking areas and the surrounding sidewalks, as well as to and between the buses and elevated skyway express system of the various stations. Covering the FCCJ Station is a self-supporting 12,000-square-foot, 180^o vault Kalwall Kalcurve^TM skylight. There are 18 Kalwall pyramid skylights utilized in bus loading canopies attached to the station. As a true structural sandwich panel system, Kalwall panels weigh only 1-1/2 pounds per square foot. This reduces the size - and therefore the cost - of the supporting structure. It also makes erection much easier, simpler and faster.

"For these open-air, multi-story stations, we chose Kalwall for its indirect diffused-light properties that reduce glare," says Kim Rinaman, AIA, of VRL Architects.

"A quality storm-resistant structure was demanded for this hurricane-prone area. Kalwall creates an open, friendly, safe and inviting atmosphere, while providing shelter from the elements. It allows natural light in without creating dark shadows."

"Cost was a major factor in designing the FCCJ Station. We wanted reasonable initial cost with long-term maintenance return. With over 150,000 passenger bus trips per week, we chose sturdy materials to minimize effects of public use and resist vandalism."

Kalwall eliminates the cost and time of extensive maintenance. Unlike heat- strengthened, tempered or even reinforced glass, the Kalwall system is shatterproof and maintenance-free. Kalwall also stands up well to the diesel fume laden air common to an area with a high concentration of diesel engine traffic. Normal rainfall literally washes the panels clean, leaving the surface free of streaks and smudges.

Kalwall is the most highly insulating, diffused light-transmitting technology in the world. The primary element of Kalwall is a structural composite sandwich panel formed by permanently bonding specially formulated, fiberglass-reinforced translucent faces to a grid core constructed of interlocked, extruded structural aluminum or composite I- beams. At night, Kalwall glows as the inside light helps to illuminate the outside area. The Hemming and FCCJ Stations stand-out in the darkness like a beacon, as do all the others clad with Kalwall.

Adds Rinaman, "The interior has warm earth-colored textured masonry and paver units with painted steel structure and railings." Add to the diffused lighting a splash of color to complement the interior design and a warm, inviting atmosphere is created. "The tinted Kalwall skylights are the final touches to the look we wanted." The skylights feature color combinations of aqua/white, ice blue/white and crystal/crystal.

For more information, contact:
Bruce Keller
Kalwall Corporation
1-800-258-9777

Architect: VRL Architects, Inc., Jacksonville, FL
Engineer: ICF Kaiser Engineers