Better Bus Stop

Transport grid is a modular system for bus stop which can be applied in different places around the world with different climate conditions.

■ What was the concept behind the project?

The concept of the project is to create a structure which is light, aerial, transparent, see-through, thus the volume will fit in the environment without hiding the surrounding buildings, urban elements and planting. In the same time it has to be unique, catching the eye of the passer-by and creating a space not only for the function of a bus stop – place where people can wait public transport but something more – art installation which inspires and provokes the artistic side of every citizen/visitor. The transport network is represented as a grid with modular raster 50x50 cm. The furniture is modules which fit in the grid.

■ What was the intent behind the organization of elements across various levels?

According to the urban planning aspect the site chosen for designing the bus stop is Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria. Three existing bus stops in the center of the city are used for site plans. First one is situated at a boulevard with a bus stop which is averagely crowded, surrounded with a park. Second one is situated on a square near by a park with bigger space for bus stop. Last but not least is the site of a tiny street where the public transport and people flow is not that big as the mentioned above. That’s the reason why the modular system is designed in three sizes – S, M and L.

■ How many iterations were tried to arrive at the final outcome?

Initially the concept was to create a different unique bus stop which will resembles the typical one. From the beginning the aim was a see-through volume but the way of achieving it was a process which started from more chaotic to more monolithic and compact space.

■ Which methods of design investigation?

The design process started with investigating the minimum space needed for small, medium and large bus stop and how could be modular and growing in future /in case people flow and public transport increase/. Except the modularity of the volume, the structure and the furniture is created by modules as well which makes easily for manufacturing and construction.

■ How was the programme condensed into final?

Three types of bus stops with sizes – S, M and L. The smallest one, suitable for small pedestrian spaces, consist of the minimum required space for seating, ticket machine, recycling bin, space for handicapped people, working table with USB port and not covered bicycle parking.

The medium bus stops consists of the same furniture as above but the number of seats, recycling bins etc. is increased.

Last but not least bus stop size L is suitable for bigger urban spaces surrounded with parks. In addition of the function above are added more comfortable places for work with seats, covered bicycle parking and kiosk instead of ticket machine.

■ What/How were the materials chosen?

Since the concept of the project is to create aerial volume are used material which will help for light and ethereal sensation. That’s why for the grid are used metal profiles 30x30 mm painted in white matte color; for the roofing - photovoltaic membrane which is ecologically friendly and provide the electricity for the bus stop; for right, left and back sides of the bus stop – ETFE semi-transparent/solid membrane; oak plywood – modular furniture.

Last but not least spot light has a significant role for the appearance of the volume especially at night. Combined with the ETFE membrane the light flows through the material and the bus stop looks like illuminating volume.

■ How was a specific objective attempted to be met?

The structure of the bus stop the metal grid is easily constructed and affordable system. The metal profiles are weld directly on the site. The ETFE and PV/roofing with 5% inclination for precipitation drainage/ membrane is clipped for the grid.

Modular oak plywood furniture is easily manufactured /because of the little number of designed models/ and are fitted in the grid.

■ What is the expansion plan of the project?

As the competition theme given – bus stop which can adapt from locality to locality, the designed structure is modular. It can be situated in different places - small/bigger, parks/pedestrian zones, places with colder/warmer climate conditions etc.

Мodularity of the grid allows increasing/decreasing the space for bus stop depending how is the area developed – people flow/transport network/surrounding buildings.

■ How will the project transform with the passing time?

The bus stop can be transformed in several ways:

Day/night – during the day the volume is a see-through structure, not hiding the surrounding area. During the night with the help of spot light the bus stop illuminates, making easier to be found in the dark.

Summer/winter – depending on the season the ETFE membrane element’s edge can be opened/closed in order to provide natural ventilation during the warmer months of the year or to prevent from strong winds during colder times.

Now/future – the concept of the project is to create different kind of bus stop, more like art installation. That’s why the structure can be used in various ways in future – exposition space for art, climbing frame for kids – the metal grid or just space for recreation of passers - by.