With just a week remaining in the World Cup, Atlanta has been on the global radar. Drawing thousands to the city and downtown, the city’s transportation infrastructure has played a significant role, notably transporting approximately 1.7 million people to four World Cup matches, nine FIFA Fan Festivals, and plenty of other World Cup-related events. It will be a defining moment in how visitors experience the city, surrounding areas, and events like the World Cup. For millions of travelers arriving to our city, MARTA stations will serve as gateways into Atlanta’s neighborhoods, attractions, stadiums, and cultural institutions. At the center of it all is the Five Points Station – a crossroads for many venturing to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. What started as a year’s long vision from MARTA has led to Perkins&Will’s partnership in designing and renovating the station to improve navigation, accessibility, and rider confidence.
At its core, the project was about far more than signage and wayfinding. It was about creating a transit experience that feels intuitive, welcoming, and dependable for both longtime Atlantans and first-time visitors. The design strategy centered around key principles: Safety, Cleanliness, Reliability, and ADA Accessibility. This informed every phase of the planning and design process, shaping how people interact with the station from the moment they arrive to the moment they reach their destination.
Safety remained one of the most important drivers of the project. Design implementations such as wayfinding and more consistent lighting contribute directly to safer transit experiences by limiting dark spaces, minimizing crowd bottlenecks, reducing uncertainty, and helping passengers make faster, more informed decisions. By improving clarity throughout the Five Points Station, the design helps riders feel more secure navigating unfamiliar spaces, especially during peak event activity.
When addressing cleanliness and functionality of the space, the design team understood that visual order and environmental consistency contribute strongly to how users perceive a public space. Updated signage elements were integrated in ways that complement MARTA’s broader station modernization efforts, helping create a more organized and cohesive environment. Creating spaces that MARTA is able to more easily maintain and access allows for more efficient, effective upkeep. Durable and resilient materials, such as carved granite for signage, surfaces resistant to graffiti and the elements, and coordinated graphic standards support easier maintenance while contributing to a cleaner, more polished appearance overall.
Reliability extends beyond train schedules and into the station experience. It was reflected in the emphasis on consistency and predictability. Transit systems function best when riders can quickly understand where they are, where they need to go, and how long it will take to get there. Perkins&Will developed a system that allows information to be processed efficiently, even in moments of stress or urgency. Lighting elements sweep along the ceilings as a continuous linear design element creating a path to follow, as well as directing your eye up to exiting signage. Additionally, large flooring material features at the thresholds of the monumental stairs and escalators tell you what platform you are about to travel to.
Accessibility was foundational to every design decision. In partnership with MARTA, Perkins&Will prioritized ADA-compliant solutions that support users of all physical and cognitive abilities. While many MARTA users rely on escalators, clear pathways and access to elevators are critical. The project team recognized that true accessibility goes beyond compliance. It requires designing environments that empower all users to move independently and comfortably through public space.
As Atlanta once again steps into the global spotlight, the Five Points Station is an embodiment of how thoughtful design can enhance both infrastructure and civic identity. The World Cup presents an opportunity for the city to showcase its hospitality, connectivity, and cultural vibrancy. MARTA stations have become critical touchpoints for visitors exploring everything from downtown landmarks to neighborhood destinations, and intuitive wayfinding will help shape those experiences in meaningful ways.
MARTA and Perkins&Will share a commitment to creating spaces that strengthen our community and improve everyday life. As MARTA transports millions of residents and visitors throughout the FIFA World Cup events, the revitalized Five Points Station is providing a more welcoming, inclusive experience that will continue to serve Atlantans and fans long after the tournament concludes.
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