Studio Balcones (now Lionheart), in collaboration with HKS, UNStudio, and Gehl, is spearheading the landscape design for stations along the new Austin Light Rail, an ambitious project led by the Austin Transit Partnership. As a key component of Project Connect, the light rail system will significantly expand Austin’s public transit network, offering a more connected, efficient, and sustainable way to navigate the city.
In this first phase of the Austin Light Rail Implementation Plan, Studio Balcones will craft station landscapes that serve as vibrant community hubs, linking neighborhoods to essential destinations and seamlessly integrating with current and future transit infrastructure. Each station will be thoughtfully designed to reflect Austin’s distinct character, taking inspiration from the area’s natural systems, ecological diversity, and cultural heritage.
The light rail project is guided by a people-first philosophy, emphasizing accessibility, reliability, and comfort for all users. By enhancing access to jobs, healthcare, and education, the system aims to create more inclusive, livable communities while honoring Austin’s unique landscape and identity. This forward-thinking approach will help build a more resilient and interconnected future for Central Texas.
Learn more about the Austin Light Rail here.
