ARTIC Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center

The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) is an iconic gateway for Southern California and the linchpin of a mixed-use activity center including commercial and residential development. WSP USA provided the City of Anaheim and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) with overall project management, master planning and civil, site structural and rail engineering services for the transportation center, which is situated at the juncture of major freeways and between a major stadium and a sports and entertainment center.

The first phase of the project consisted of site work and preparation, a transportation center terminal and supporting facilities, trackwork and platforms, parking, public art, and access and street improvements. The transportation hub accommodates Metrolink commuter rail, Amtrak and OCTA buses, and is prepared to accommodate the future needs of California High Speed Rail and California/Nevada Super Speed Train connections.

The ARTIC design mimics the aerodromes of the 1920s where blimps were once stored, recalling a prominent mode of transportation from Anaheim’s history. ARTIC is nestled between two popular entertainment venues; Angel Stadium, where the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball team plays, and the Honda Center, home of the Anaheim Ducks hockey team.

Construction on the $185 million project began in September 2012 and the facility opened in December 2014.

ARTIC was designed to meet the goal of Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification of the U.S. Green Building Council, and was certified in 2016. The landmark building has an open feeling, skyline presence and an impressive recognition factor.

The roof was constructed using more than 200,000 square feet of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), a fluorine-based plastic material with high resistance to corrosion and extreme temperatures, adding to the efficiency of the building. The roof resembles a big air pillow, with the exterior side reflecting the sun, while the interior side is clear. The result can be a 20-degree temperature difference between one side and the other, creating a heat barrier for the building that results in less energy required to cool the interior.

The designers made further use of the ETFE panels by installing a network of 1,400 colorful LED lights, individually monitored so that they can be made into any color and any pattern, giving ARTIC a spectacular glow at night.