From commutes to communities: Human-centred design in transport-oriented developments
When thoughtfully designed, transport-oriented developments (TODs) – those clusters of homes, offices, and public spaces orbiting train stations and bus hubs – promise something radical: they can redefine – not just how people move across cities – but how they thrive.
Billed as the engines of urban vitality, TODs have the potential to knit communities together through proximity and purpose. Yet, how do we ensure these connections last?
The answer, it turns out, lies not in efficiency alone but in imagination. In an era of environmental urgency and shifting social priorities, TODs must go beyond facilitating movement. They must foster connection, enrich lives, and unite communities across increasingly fragmented urban landscapes. This is the challenge of the modern city: to create places that are not just sustainable but deeply human.
SUSTAINABLY CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is a transformative transport initiative that will reshape the landscape of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis region. While Hassell is designing and delivering six new metro stations and integrated precincts, our primary focus is connecting the new airport with Western Sydney and its surrounding communities.
A resilient corridor of ecology and sustainability, the new metro line will connect people while celebrating the natural environment. Each station is intentionally situated within a green rail corridor, flowing through the Cumberland Plain landscape and harmonising with the region’s defining creeks. Rather than competing with the natural setting, our stations enhance it.
More than just a transport project, Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is a catalyst for attracting and strengthening diverse communities to live, work, and play in the new city of Bradfield. We aim to create an enriching and seamless customer experience that reflects the diverse needs of residents while linking communities and providing vital economic stimulus to the Greater Western Sydney region.
As we support the evolving identity of Sydney’s third centre, Bradfield, the country’s first new city in 100 years, we will pave the way for future growth –anticipating that this area will account for over 20% of NSW’s population growth by 2036. Our work not only unlocks development around transport but also fosters a spirit of connection and inclusion that will resonate for years to come.
INNOVATION IN DESIGN
Within that growing region is the First Building – housing Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) – one of Western Sydney’s most innovative buildings and a collaborative space for government, industry, and research. A catalyst project underpinned by a strong transport investment, the First Building will kickstart a manufacturing industry-led ecosystem, attracting global partners and nurturing a future-focused workforce of highly skilled people.
As the first building of a new city, we had a unique opportunity to set the tone for future development through a building that was highly sustainable, advanced, and connected. Designed for adaptability, the First Building’s timber structure comprises prefabricated modular components enabling it to expand as the city grows or to be disassembled and re-erected elsewhere for a completely different use as the city evolves. We also implemented circular economy principles, minimising waste and ensuring everything can be reused or recycled at the end of life.
INCLUSIVE AT HEART
What further connects these developments and helps to safeguard their permanence is inclusiveness. Throughout The First Building’s design process, we collaborated with First Nations cultural design and research practice Djinjama to deeply integrate cultural and environmental considerations into the area hosting Aerotropolis, known as ‘Wianamatta’ (which means ‘Mother Place’ in the local Dharug language).
Another example, on Yuggera and Turrbal Country in Brisbane, the Cross River Rail project was developed in response to an urgent need to expand the existing rail network due to predicted population growth. Hassell has designed four stations and precincts, which prioritise accessibility and inclusivity to ensure they serve all users.
Working closely with an Accessibility Reference Group, made up of individuals with diverse needs, allowed us to respond with a design that addressed real-world challenges. Collaborative workshops generated crucial insights into their challenges. The final designs are not only about physical safety and accessibility, but also about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, served, and valued.
As Brisbane continues to prepare itself for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the lessons learned from the Cross River Rail project provide a blueprint for future inclusive urban development projects and encourage other professionals in the field – designers, builders, and government – to consider how they can co-design with inclusivity top of mind.
INHERENTLY OF PLACE
Victoria is the fastest-growing state in Australia, with around 2.9 million people calling Melbourne home by 2056. The Melbourne Metro Tunnel project will support this growth, unlock new areas, and improve access to the CBD. It will also connect health, education and technology precincts to the city’s civic and cultural spine and be a catalyst for urban renewal.
While the Metro Tunnel reflects global best practices in transport planning, it remains distinctly Melbourne. Each of the five underground stations is a testament to the unique character of its location. Embedded artworks will tell local stories and reveal layers of history, enriching the traveller experience.
The architecture of the stations beautifully balances civic grandeur on a human scale, fostering a sense of connection and community. Celebrating craftsmanship and detail, each station was designed to embrace natural light and foster a sense of openness and generosity – qualities that reflect Melbourne’s playful spirit and civic pride.
FOSTERING COHESIVE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
Thoughtful design can transform cities, offering solutions to complex urban challenges and improving quality of life. By embracing community-driven insights, respecting cultural contexts, and addressing pressing social and environmental issues, we can create TODs that are sustainable, inclusive, and impactful.