Bike Building
Bike station parking, Washington, DC, 2007-2009. Project Architect
With KGP Design Studio
Client: District Department of Transportation
Area: 1,750 sq ft

The Bike Building at Union Station is located in an area frequented daily by thousands of commuters, neighbors and visitors. The grand glass and plaster vaults and arches of Union Station as well as the details of the bronze window mullions, grills and light fixtures inspired the design. The Bike Station has a parking area for 145 bikes inside and 46 bikes outside, storage lockers, a dressing room and a retail space.
The structure takes advantage of passive airflow when open. The temperature of the parking area typically is moderated by passive means or minimal mechanical ventilation only at seasonal temperature extremes. If further cooling is required in the double-glazed retail area, the automated vents close, sealing the retail area for effective mechanical cooling. In winter, the automated vents close to take advantage of solar heating as required. Ms. Varkulja assisted with the design development phase, material research and specification, construction documents for BID set and construction administration phase.