Ghadiri, S T; Pazhouhanfar, M and Saberi, M (2026) Impact of architectural design characteristics of railway stations on travellers' preferences: A digital design method. Building Research & Information, 54(2), pp. 179-197. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
This study aims to explore how architectural design characteristics of railway station waiting areas affect traveller preferences, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the overall tourism experience. Through a discrete choice experiment involving 250 participants at Gorgan Railway Station, various digital design scenarios were evaluated. The analysis revealed that features such as the presence of greenery and large windows were most strongly preferred, followed by light-coloured walls and ceilings, orthogonal spatial layouts, flat skylights, shiny flooring, sociopetal seating arrangements and cold lighting. These design elements contribute to creating more welcoming, comfortable and attractive station environments. Emotional responses and demographic factors were also assessed, showing a secondary but notable effect on preferences. The findings highlight the necessity of prioritizing specific architectural features to significantly improve traveller satisfaction and the quality of railway station spaces..
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | d-optimal orthogonal design; discrete choice model; emotional dimensions; environmental preferences; railway station |
| Index terms: | prioritizing, satisfaction, design method, dimension, demographic factor, presence, experiment, railway station, preference, architectural design, tourism, window |
| Subjects: | project delivery, health monitoring assessment and metrics, design methods, data collection methods, infrastructure and transport systems, industry analysis, decision analysis, design practice, environmental science, demography, decision-making and reasoning, architectural elements |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Urban Studies, Design Practice, Health and Safety, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Risk Management, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
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