The 11 Architectural Variations of Washington, DC, Metro Stations (2018)

Originally published October 6, 2014; republished August 1, 2018 Author: Matt Johnson (Former Editorial Board Member)

While the Washington Metro is famous for its signature vaulted ceilings, it is a misconception that every station is identical the same. In reality, there are 11 distinct architectural designs utilized across the system.

Note on Terminology: The author utilizes a mix of designations sourced from NYCSubway.org (specifically the Washington page) and original terminology developed for this analysis.

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🚇 Subterranean Station Designs

1. The Waffle

The Waffle is the most ubiquitous style, envisioned by Harry Weese and the CFA.

• Quantity: Found at 32 stations (mostly downtown).
• Visuals: Defined by small, rectangular coffers that create a grid-like "waffle" appearance along the walls.
• Construction: Primarily pour-in-place concrete, though Dupont Circle utilized precast panels.
• Timeline: Debuted in 1976; the final examples (Waterfront and Navy Yard) opened in 1991.

2. Arch I

To reduce costs, Metro transitioned to precast sections. The Arch I style is a simplified version of the waffle.

• Key Difference: Instead of multiple rows of small coffers, it features only two coffers on each side of the vault.
• Timeline: First appeared in 1981 (Dupont Circle to Van Ness extension) and concluded in 1984 (Grosvenor extension).

3. Arch II

Similar to Arch I, these are precast stations, but they feature three coffers per half-vault.

• Distribution: Rare, mostly found in the system's newest subway stops.
• Anomaly: Mount Vernon Square (1991) uses this design, despite opening alongside waffle-style stations like U Street and Shaw.

4. Twin Tube

Reserved for extreme depths, such as at Forest Glen and Wheaton.

• Structure: Rather than one large vault, these are bored as two separate tubes.
• Layout: Each track has its own chamber, linked by a central corridor.
• Variation: The lower level of Fort Totten uses a modified version of this, despite its shallower depth.

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☀️ Aboveground Station Designs

Aboveground stations are categorized into three primary shapes: Gull Wing, Peaked, and Gambrel.

The Gull Wing Series

• Gull I: The original 1976 design. It uses exposed concrete and a curve that mirrors the underground vaults. The last entirely new instance was Van Dorn Street (1991), though Fort Totten's lower level (1993) also matches this style to stay consistent with its upper level.
• Gull II: Introduced after the 2001 Branch Avenue extension. This style departs from Brutalism in favor of modern materials and colors. Notably, these stations lack the iconic Vignelli platform pylons.

The Peaked Series

• Alexandria Peak: Found at King Street and Braddock Road (1983). These feature triangular roofs with longitudinal transparent skylights.
  • Detail: The roof at King Street is intentionally interrupted to preserve the view of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.
• General Peak: Debuted in 1980 at Addison Road. These have flat concrete roofs that taper toward the tracks, paired with a peaked glass skylight.
• High Peak: A larger-scale version of the General Peak. The canopy is significantly taller, remaining higher than the mezzanine and never sloping down. While visually dramatic, they provide less shelter. These are found at Franconia-Springfield and three other stations.

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Summary Comparison Table

Station Type	Environment	Key Feature	Era
Waffle	Underground	Small rectangular coffers	1976–1991
Arch I	Underground	2 coffers per side (Precast)	1981–1984
Arch II	Underground	3 coffers per side (Precast)	Late/Mixed
Twin Tube	Underground	Separate bored tubes	Deep Stations
Gull I	Aboveground	Curved exposed concrete	1976–1993
Gull II	Aboveground	Modernized, no pylons	2004+
Alexandria Peak	Aboveground	Triangular roof / Skylight	1983
General Peak	Aboveground	Tapered roof / Glass peak	1980s–90s
High Peak	Aboveground	Towering canopy	Late Regional

Technical Appendix

To calculate the approximate volume $V$ of a simplified rectangular coffer in a waffle station, one might use: $V = l \times w \times d$ Where $l$ is length, $w$ is width, and $d$ is depth of the indentation.

Station Data Structure (Mockup):

{
  "station_types": {
    "underground": ["Waffle", "Arch I", "Arch II", "Twin Tube"],
    "aboveground": ["Gull I", "Gull II", "Alexandria Peak", "General Peak", "High Peak"]
  },
  "total_types": 11
}

Project Checklist:

• Identify underground styles
• Identify aboveground styles
• Note architectural transitions (Brutalism $\rightarrow$ Modern)
• Complete list of High Peak stations (Text truncated in source)