![John Olver Transit Center / Charles Rose Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/648c/89e6/cb9c/462d/3b3a/55ad/newsletter/john-olver-transit-center-charles-rose-architects_1.jpg?1686931960)
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Architects: Charles Rose Architects
- Area: 24000 m²
- Year: 2014
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Photographs:John Linden, Peter Vanderwalker
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Manufacturers: Sika, Duratherm Windows , Price Beams, Solar Wall, Zahner
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Lead Architects: Charles Rose
![John Olver Transit Center / Charles Rose Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/648c/89f6/cb9c/462d/3b3a/55b1/newsletter/john-olver-transit-center-charles-rose-architects_8.jpg?1686931974)
Text description provided by the architects. The John W. Olver Transit Center, located in Greenfield, MA, is the first net-zero transit center in the United States. It was funded in part by the FTA and ARRA. Since its completion, the 24,000 SF intermodal transit hub has introduced high-performance design to Franklin County, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and ethical design. The project serves as a depot for regional and interstate bus lines, a station for AMTRAK’s Vermonter and Valley Flyer lines, and an office for the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. The project received a 2023 AIA COTE Top 10 award.
![John Olver Transit Center / Charles Rose Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/648c/89fd/cb9c/462d/3b3a/55b4/newsletter/john-olver-transit-center-charles-rose-architects_10.jpg?1686931983)
![John Olver Transit Center / Charles Rose Architects - Image 18 of 23](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/648c/8a9b/5921/185b/5c59/64eb/newsletter/jotc-first-floor-plan-20.jpg?1686932135)
From xeriscaping to sustainable technologies, this project brings a broad range of ecological and environmental values to the heart of the community. The design process fostered a multidisciplinary effort that integrated engineering, building technology, architecture, and landscape architecture into a seamless, holistic design. Architectural design decisions benefited from real-time energy modeling feedback, leading to the optimization of form and orientation, fenestration, and systems. Thermal modeling of details was integrated throughout the design process to eliminate thermal bridging.
![John Olver Transit Center / Charles Rose Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/648c/8a16/cb9c/462d/3b3a/55bf/medium_jpg/john-olver-transit-center-charles-rose-architects_9.jpg?1686932007)
![John Olver Transit Center / Charles Rose Architects - Image 20 of 23](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/648c/8a9c/cb9c/462d/3b3a/55de/medium_jpg/jotc-building-diagrams-19.jpg?1686932131)
In addition to a high-performance envelope and reduced energy loads, passive design strategies include daylighting, thermal mass temperature regulation, interior and exterior shading, a solar wall for preheating make-up air in the winter, and natural ventilation. Active strategies included 22 geothermal wells, water-sourced heat pumps, chilled beams, energy recovery systems, and occupant engagement guided by an energy “dashboard.” On-site energy generation includes a 98kW photovoltaic array.
![John Olver Transit Center / Charles Rose Architects - Interior Photography, Table, Chair, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/648c/89e8/cb9c/462d/3b3a/55ae/newsletter/john-olver-transit-center-charles-rose-architects_4.jpg?1686931961)
![John Olver Transit Center / Charles Rose Architects - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Windows, Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/648c/89fc/cb9c/462d/3b3a/55b3/newsletter/john-olver-transit-center-charles-rose-architects_3.jpg?1686931980)
The project provides 24,000 sf of adaptable community space at the center of the city-- spaces with non-fixed furnishings throughout ensuring that the building can be easily reprogrammed as needed. The space has an open layout and accommodates community meeting spaces, county government offices, and a regional transit center. The project addresses economic inequality and financial vulnerability, by providing a community resource and access to public transportation.
![John Olver Transit Center / Charles Rose Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/648c/8a0f/cb9c/462d/3b3a/55ba/newsletter/john-olver-transit-center-charles-rose-architects_11.jpg?1686931999)