Archdaily had the chance to speak to SOM regarding the Transit-oriented development (TOD) projects. SOM has extensive engagement in planning, design and engineering on various means of conveyance, and TOD is definitely one of the speciality the SOM team has to offer. Through the interview, we will walk through the design strategies and their changes over the years of TOD Development, the challenges and new area of focus of TOD development, and most importantly, the interview will focus on the design strategy in developing TOD in China, where SOM has participated in many TOD projects, including the South Gateway of Guangzhou Central Axis, Guangzhou Nansha Pearl Bay and Xiong'an District Planing.
ArchDaily (Han Shuangyu): How does SOM define TOD (Transit-oriented development)? What design scope does TOD design include?
SOM (Derek Moore, Thomas Hussey): All development should be “transit-oriented” in the sense that access and mobility must be planned for any development, Greenfield or Brownfield, new city, or existing urban fabric. “TOD” is commonly understood to be intensive mixed-use development in close proximity to similarly concentrated nodes of public transit - rail, light rail, bus, etc. This proximity promotes pedestrian mobility and limits LOV (low-occupancy vehicle) use of private cars, taxis, and app services. It also lowers energy usage for both transit and development.
