Public Transportation as Collaborative Art: MetroLink, St. Louis

Abstract

MetroLink—the St. Louis region's new 29-km (18-mi), 18-station light-rail system—is a collaborative work of public art. Civic leaders had the foresight to suggest that visual artists collaborate with architects and engineers in designing the infrastructure of the system. The Bi-State Development Agency had the courage to accept this first-of-its-kind initiative. Reaching for design excellence, artists became involved early in the design process of the largest public works project in the region. In January 1988, six visual artists were brought onto the MetroLink design team: Alice Adams (New York), Gary Burnley (New York, formerly St. Louis), Leila Daw (Boston, formerly St. Louis), Michael Jantzen (Los Angeles, formerly St. Louis), Anna Valentina Murch (San Francisco), and Jody Pinto (New York). The results of the MetroLink design team collaboration are evident along the entire alignment. Integration of station design, technical details, and right-of-way to develop a comprehensive look for the system was a consideration from the beginning of the process. Solutions to the design challenges are unique Y-shaped bridge piers and well-designed underground tunnel stations that maintain the character of the historic space. Unconventional passenger shelters for outdoor stations, intimate vehicle interiors, atypical framing of power substations, and preservation of original architectural remnants at some stations are also highlights of the collaboration. Art is integral with design—urban infrastructure is the work of art.