Red Hot Line

The future Red Line will potentially transform Baltimore into a city that is more open and accessible, creating closer communities and binding relationships between people and places.  But for all its promise, the success of the Red Line may lie not on its planning, design, or implementation, but on how Baltimore citizens come to understand and embrace its potential.   The Red [Hot] Line Station is a mobile information kiosk that promotes awareness, understanding, and “buzz” for the future transit line.  By presenting the many benefits of the Red Line, the mobile station will stir excitement and anticipation while also empowering citizens to take ownership of the city. 

Awareness of the coming Red Line will begin before construction through the full-scale mapping of the line as a form of public art.   A physical red line of highly reflective traffic tape or paint will be installed on streets and sidewalks mapping out the path and presence of the future Red Line as a way-finding tool.  On this path the mobile kiosk will be strategically placed adjacent to construction sites and at key junctures of pedestrian activity.   The kiosk itself will be iconic in its vehicular form made of curved red metal panels on a unibody chassis.  At the heart of the kiosk will be a user-friendly interactive touch screen displaying useful information about the Red Line, its construction, and its benefits to people, communities, businesses, and the city.  Information such as construction timelines, station locations, future development, and transit ridership statistics can be provided as well as information to help navigate to local restaurants, business and sporting events.  In addition to the touch screen, a hotline phone will provide a means for citizens to report concerns related to the construction, thereby giving individuals a stake in the progress of the city.  This basic means of giving voice to local citizens is proven effective in shaping perceptions and forming acceptance to change. 

While the mobile kiosk is made of steel, an inherently recycled and recyclable material, its basis of sustainable design lies in its durability, flexibility, adaptability, and reusability.  As a mobile station, the kiosk can be relocated as necessary throughout various phases and locations along the Red Line or even in other key public spaces or events throughout the city.  The kiosk can be reused for future transit or other public construction projects.  Alternatively, the kiosk can be adapted, with its technological hardware removed, to become a mobile vending booth for street festivals such as Artscape or farmer’s markets. 

Davin’s Role: Design Principal

Architect: RTKL