The “dynamic envelope” of light rail cars determined the form of this light rail station. The design team studied the clearances required to accommodate the movement and sway of the cars, and set column locations, heights of roof vaults, and dimensions of canopies to respond to the envelope. Careful coordination was required to ensure that high voltage catenary lines did not come in contact with the steel roof structure. Sight lines determined where the trains stopped, to prevent passengers from stumbling into the path of an arriving train.

Beyond the platform area, the project included a large “car barn” and service yard for the maintenance of the light rail cars. Since Riverside is a major terminal station, the site plan carefully routed service trucks and staff vehicles away from the major arrival point for passengers.