The MAX stop at the airport is extremely clear. While it is not the most interesting in terms of its form or architectural design, the stations clarity makes it incredibly rider friendly. This clarity is experienced through several design decisions, which minimize rider options. They are as follows:
- The station benefits from being at the end of the line – meaning there is only one direction for the rider to go, thus reducing a level of confusion for the rider.
- By design the station only has one platform. The singular platform scheme allows everyone to gather in one space, and reduces options when approaching and exiting the space.
- The station was designed to only have one entrance / exit. As opposed to being porous on multiple sides the station has a clear sense of hierarchy. For me this makes the station feel safer as I know when people are entering and leaving the platform. It also assists in making wayfinding much easier – which is probably key for a station whose riders are probably visitors (one time riders). It also makes one-time payments easier because you are guaranteed to walk past the payment machines
- Instead of several shelters placed on the platform the design of the station only has one long continuous shelter. I think this gives a strong sense of hierarchy to the space. Architecturally I find that when several shelters are placed on a platform the station loses a sense of place, and tends to feel more scattered and less uniform.
- By enclosing the space with exterior walls the station has a sense of place and enclosure. It has a definitive scope and edge.
The station could be architecturally rendered much better. The exterior walls are nothing worth looking at, and the shelter could certainly be more interesting. What is nice about the shelter of station is that it is different from the rest of shelter designs on the MAX line. As a designer and rider this helps define the place, especially since the station is rendered with a similar aesthetic/brand as the airport itself. Better art is needed, and more response to nature (green area?) would be nice.
That’s great
I agree with your assessment of the MAX station at the Portland International Airport. While the functional clarity and simplicity of the design make it incredibly user-friendly, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the area, there’s certainly room for aesthetic improvement. Given that airports often serve as the first impression for travelers, it would be great to see more artistic elements and a stronger connection to nature incorporated into the station. It’s interesting how the station reflects the airport’s branding, but enhancing the overall design could make the space more engaging.
On a related note, as someone who frequently travels through airports, I’ve found that well-organized transport options, whether it’s trains or taxis, make a huge difference in overall travel experience. If you’re ever flying into Gatwick Airport in the UK, I’d recommend checking out Jewel Cars Gatwick. They offer reliable taxi services and are quite convenient for airport transfers. A well-designed station or smooth airport transfer really sets the tone for a trip!