The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), designed by HOK, stands as a pioneering example of civic architecture in the United States. This innovative transit station in Southern California redefines public transportation, evolving beyond mere functionality to become a destination in its own right. ARTIC serves as a symbol of progress, reflecting Anaheim’s commitment to forward-thinking urban development and enhanced public services.
Ernest Cirangle, FAIA, LEED AP, design principal at HOK’s Los Angeles office, encapsulates the vision behind ARTIC: “ARTIC is a community-focused building that will change how people think about public transportation.” He emphasizes the iconic nature of the facility as a beacon of a new era in public transit, crediting city leaders for their dedication to a contemporary and bold design.
Serving over three million people annually, this expansive 67,000-square-foot hub seamlessly integrates various transportation modes. ARTIC connects commuter and regional rail services, including Amtrak and Metrolink, with intercity bus systems like OCTA, Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART), Megabus.com, and Greyhound. Its adaptable design strategically positions it as a potential southern terminus for California’s future high-speed rail network, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
Beyond its core transportation functions, ARTIC enhances the commuter experience by incorporating a range of amenities. Transit-oriented retail spaces, Wi-Fi connectivity, charging stations, ample parking, bicycle facilities, lockers, community areas, and diverse dining options transform the station into a vibrant public space.
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Exterior view of Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center showcasing its parabolic diagrid structure and surrounding landscape, Anaheim, California
HOK’s winning design emerged from an international competition, tasked with creating an iconic structure that would usher in a new age of public transportation for the region. ARTIC is also envisioned as a catalyst for urban transformation, aiming to convert Anaheim’s central area into a pedestrian-friendly zone that encourages connectivity and fosters a dynamic mixed-use environment. The surrounding “Platinum Triangle” is home to key destinations such as Angel Stadium, Honda Center, the Anaheim Convention Center (also designed by HOK), and Disneyland, making ARTIC a central node in a vibrant urban network.
Cirangle further elaborates on ARTIC’s urban integration: “The master plan establishes a clear pedestrian pathway flanked by future, mixed-use development with ARTIC as the primary destination.” He highlights the building’s “extroverted” design, emphasizing its significant yet welcoming presence intended to stimulate transit-oriented development and enhance the urban fabric.
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Drawing inspiration from the grandeur of classic transit halls like New York’s Grand Central Terminal and the structural elegance of local airship hangars, HOK developed a 21st-century design for this progressive transit facility. ARTIC’s distinctive parabolic form is achieved through a diagrid structural system composed of diamond-shaped steel arches, infilled with translucent Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) pillows. The north and south ends feature freestanding curtain walls, maximizing daylight penetration and offering expansive views, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. This long-span grid shell structure culminates in a grand, light-filled atrium, facilitating seamless passenger circulation.
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Building Information Modeling (BIM) was instrumental in realizing ARTIC’s complex geometry and functionality. Albert Kaneshiro, AIA, LEED AP, HOK’s project manager, notes, “By using BIM, we were able to optimize and coordinate the precise geometry of the vaulted diagrid shell, ETFE facade technology, metal panel rain screen systems and glass.” BIM facilitated the intricate coordination required for the ETFE connections with the steel structure, accommodating the material’s expansion and contraction properties.
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Interior photograph of Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center atrium, highlighting natural light penetration and spacious passenger areas, Anaheim, California
Reflecting Anaheim’s commitment to sustainability, ARTIC is designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The vaulted structure and advanced mechanical systems work synergistically to maximize energy efficiency. The ETFE cushions diffuse a soft, translucent light throughout the main hall, while a frit pattern on the outer layer minimizes solar heat gain. Natural convection ventilates the building, with heat rising and exiting through operable louvers. A radiant heating and cooling floor system, combined with an optimized HVAC system, is projected to reduce ARTIC’s energy consumption by 50 percent.
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Exterior photo at dusk of Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, showing the illuminated ETFE pillows and facade lighting, Anaheim, California
At night, ARTIC transforms into a luminous landmark. LEDs integrated into the diagrid structure illuminate the ETFE pillows in dynamic, shifting colors, creating a striking visual presence against the night sky. Becoming a beacon visible from freeways and local streets, ARTIC’s nighttime illumination further solidifies its iconic status and enhances the city’s skyline.
HOK provided comprehensive services for ARTIC, encompassing architecture, interior design, master planning, and urban design. Parsons Brinckerhoff served as project manager and rail/civil engineer. The project team also included Thornton Tomasetti (structural engineer), Buro Happold (MEP and enclosure engineering), SWA (landscape designer), and Clark Construction (general contractor). HOK’s Aviation + Transportation group continues to design high-performance transportation facilities globally, including airport terminals, stations, and intermodal centers, contributing to the advancement of public transit infrastructure worldwide.
