Originally built in 1882 by James Colman, Pier 52 or Colman Dock has been a vital resource along Seattle’s Puget Sound, transporting goods and travelers for centuries. Standing the test of time, the newly constructed ferry terminal breathes new life into imperative infrastructure to elevate the ferry experience.
Completed in 2023, the Seattle Ferry Terminal embodies a lantern, beaconing ships in from the Sound and ushering over 10 million annual travelers to their destinations. Flooded with natural light, “the Seattle Ferry Terminal showcases a lighting design that blends functionality with aesthetic appeal. Central to the design is a strategy of placing backlit yellow panels at key wayfinding points, which guide visitors efficiently and enhance the terminal’s vibrant environment,” Dark Light Design highlights. Linear structures contrasted with sweeping walkways simplifies general circulation, while lighting delineates access points and paths of travel. Paired with colorful way finding and various access points, the terminal design executed by NBBJ aims to enhance user experience from the forgotten public infrastructure.
The 152,251 sq ft building capitalizes on views of the Sound and nearby mountain ranges while enhancing the waterfront area on Seattle’s south side, including additional shoreline for salmon habitat restoration by freeing space for nesting areas. Unlike the previous terminal, the new building is oriented parallel to the street for ease of access, readability, circulation, and connectivity. KLIK’s LEDpod50 was used in handrail and guardrail along stairways and pedestrian bridges, accenting architecture while denoting access points to travelers, emulating the foundation of a lantern.
With multiple modes of access, the terminal becomes a transportation hub that enhances user experience while shedding light on a new era of Washington State Ferry. Continued improvements through 2024-25 continue to extend the terminals appeal with restaurants and retail spaces, art installations, drop off and pick up areas, plazas and more. After completion, the project received multiple awards including AIA Seattle Honor Award, AIA WA State Civic Design Honor Award, and ENR Northwest Best Project Award. Many thanks to Dark Light Design for their continued collaboration and support of KLIK USA!
