Transitional Space as an Aesthetic Experience: The Schenectady Amtrak Station Redesigned for a Revitalized Future

After General Electric moved its headquarters in 1974, Schenectady experienced an economic downturn. Plans for economic development in the city, including the recently completed casino, are expected to lead to a resurgence in Schenectady’s popularity and economy. In order to match this regrowth, Schenectady is building a new train station that will reflect the changes in the city and be able to handle the increase in traffic coming from outside the city. By making a visual impact on citizens and travelers, the station should attract visitors to the city while making sense within the heavily layered architectural history of Schenectady. For my project I researched and did drawing studies of Schenectady’s existing architecture. From there I developed my own design for the train station by utilizing 2D and 3D architectural design strategies. My presentation will exhibit the artistic studies done as well as the design strategies and thought processes involved in designing my train station. The result of my research and design work is a building that provides a modern attitude to reflect the regrowth of the city while also respecting its existing architecture and history.