From Storage Sheds to Safety Rest Areas, TxDOT Architects Rely on Creativity

For an agency that specializes in what appears to many to be pretty basic construction work — roads and bridges, for example — the Texas Department of Transportation creates a surprising amount of intricate, highly tailored designs requiring the skills of an unexpected profession: architects.

In 2014, motorists visiting the new Safety Rest Areas (SRAs) in Bell and Hill Counties were awestruck with the design and museum quality of these distinctive I-35 facilities. Motorists took selfies, wrote glowing Internet reviews, and told their friends and family to make sure and stop in. Four years later, none of that has changed.

"The thought, preparation and creativity that went into these Safety Rest Areas created a buzz — not only in the communities they are in, but with motorists from all over the country," says Andy Keith, SRA program manager. "Our architects have every reason to be proud of these structures. Each SRA is one of a kind. They are functional, reflect the history and uniqueness of the area, and they do what TxDOT meant for them to do: provide a place where fatigued travelers can recharge for the trip in front of them."

Architects worked hard to make the new Hill County Safety Rest Areas reflect the county's rich farming history.

---

The facilities in the Waco District were among the first of TxDOT's new theme-oriented SRAs. There are now 40 of them across the state, with 35 more being designed by the architects from TxDOT's maintenance division.

The architects have received plenty of notoriety for their creations. But another team of architects is based in Austin. These architects, part of TxDOT's Support Services Division, have a never-ending responsibility: design, build, refurbish or update every new and existing headquarters, maintenance and training facility in all 25 TxDOT districts.

"TxDOT has a tremendous number of buildings that office staff and administration, store equipment, or help train employees," Brian Sweat, TxDOT project manager and architect, explains. "But many of these facilities are 30 to 50 years old, so it seems there is always plenty to do. Many of the buildings need updates or add-ons. So, we first ask if the building is worth saving, which we try and do most of the time."

The Texas spring can be volatile weather-wise, so in Bell County, interior rooms are rated tornado safe. There are even survival tips incorporated into the art on the inside walls of the facility.

---

The Support Services Division has a team of six to eight licensed architects and intern architects, along with engineers, plumbers and electricians. From new builds to refurbishing existing structures, the team is responsible for every aspect of the building process. Projects range from a simple shed for equipment or storage, to modern complex office buildings that support people with varied needs.

"Our goal throughout the state is to decrease our footprint while increasing efficiencies," Sweat says. "As a result, we really have the opportunity to be creative because there is such a wide range of building systems that need to be considered. We work to assemble all the components in an efficient, cost-saving approach that takes into consideration safety and comfort."

Sweat points out that an architect is one of the few professions where you have to be part psychologist and logistician.

"On the bigger projects, we are dealing with human beings in a complex environment. And in our profession, the individual architects come from complete different backgrounds who have different solutions for the same problem. It's interesting to see how we all work together to create the final product."

Back to Volume 8, Number 4