The Triangle is one
of the fastest-growing regions in the country, yet traffic congestion has
severely hindered mobility between its city centers. The Durham-Orange County
Light Rail (DOCLR) was first proposed in the late 1980s as a solution to this
challenge, connecting Downtown Durham and Chapel Hill via Duke University. More
than just a transit system, it offered an opportunity to foster vibrant,
accessible communities.
At the core of our design philosophy is the belief that PEOPLE MATTER. The initial infrastructure plan, with its rigid barriers and fencing, failed to support a dynamic urban experience. Instead of a monofunctional approach, we envisioned spaces that enrich the city, inspire its people, and strengthen connections.
Durham’s origins trace back to the very site of the proposed signature station, once home to a train depot, Hotel Carolina, and a clock tower—icons that welcomed visitors and shaped the city’s identity. Our designs honor this history while reimagining the area as a modern, multifunctional landmark. The five proposals we developed embrace Durham’s past, present, and future, creating an accessible, community-driven destination that serves as a catalyst for growth, prosperity, and shared experiences.
At the core of our design philosophy is the belief that PEOPLE MATTER. The initial infrastructure plan, with its rigid barriers and fencing, failed to support a dynamic urban experience. Instead of a monofunctional approach, we envisioned spaces that enrich the city, inspire its people, and strengthen connections.
Durham’s origins trace back to the very site of the proposed signature station, once home to a train depot, Hotel Carolina, and a clock tower—icons that welcomed visitors and shaped the city’s identity. Our designs honor this history while reimagining the area as a modern, multifunctional landmark. The five proposals we developed embrace Durham’s past, present, and future, creating an accessible, community-driven destination that serves as a catalyst for growth, prosperity, and shared experiences.