WSP served in a strategic consulting role with the design of the Salesforce Transit Center’s integrated smart technology, which will make it one of the most technologically advanced transit centers of its kind in the U.S.
WSP was specifically challenged to create a facility that creates a memorable and safe venue experience enhanced by advances in technology solutions.
“Its smart features make this more than just a transit center,” said Herbert Els, lead SMART consultant for WSP. “It is a public venue, with technology capable of generating revenue streams that this type of building would typically not have.
“We designed a data network that converged all intelligent buildings systems on one network. The systems are able to talk to one another and make use of shared data, not only enhancing building performance, functionality and environmental sustainability, but also provided a much more secure and reliable data network.”
WSP also integrated the necessary infrastructure and advised on the development of a mobile wayfinding app that will provide information to users, including train schedules, maps to locations, and emergency alerts. It will also provide critical data for TJPA that can help improve the center’s service to the public.
The future mobile app and the digital information display systems would create a combined digital platform meeting expectations of today’s digital age users. The mobile device platform solution will have location and context-aware capability delivering facility operational services, interactive content and communication to passengers, visitors and facility operators. The benefits of the mobile platform are dissemination of real time information to passengers, visitors and operators based on their specific profiles and needs.
“The future mobile app will identify where people enter the center, where they gather in the building, how long they stay in the building, and other details that will help improve information for retail negotiations,” Els said. “It will also provide capability for the public to contact emergency responders, and upload photos of safety or security concerns that can be forwarded to the proper authorities.”
“WSP was able to step up and help the owner discover what was possible with this technology,” Els said. “It anticipates public expectations in the future, and how a facility should interact with mobile devices and provide fast, secure service.”
WSP also provided information technology design services for the transit facility including:
• a converged network approach to include VOIP/WAN/LAN/high-density WiFi networks
• visitor information systems through a large schedule board in the Grand Hall comprising 99 video screens, digital signage and mobile application aware technology
• emergency communications systems, utilizing two-way radio and telephony systems
Providing a digital platform inclusive of the future mobile app created another revenue opportunity considering the naming rights for the facility that led to the naming of the Salesforce Transit Center.
“It’s become more than just a name on the building,” Els said. “The naming includes the wayfinding app, which is something that will travel with people, and connect potential Salesforce investors with a much wider audience.”
Branding the facility’s digital media taps another resource where the client can generate significant income.
“Any kind of infrastructure is a cost center,” Els said. “It costs money to continually upgrade and replace things within a facility. By creating this type of media platform, it transitions from just a cost center to a revenue stream.”