Hong Kong Power Stops

Context and Problem

Hong Kong has one of the best public transport systems in the world. The enormous amount of bus routes plays a big part in this, as they build a fine-grained network of stations complementing the seven large metro-lines of the mega-city.

The vast majority of Hong Kong‘s urbanized areas is served by the bus system. However, bus stops - the very places where each bus journey begins and ends - are often poorly designed, with no shelter from sun or rain, insufficient information on routes and surroundings, and very little visual consistency throughout the city.

Furthermore, most of the bus lines in Hong Kong are privatized, which makes the system highly competitive and leads to a focus on economic viability. Travelers seem to suffer from this condition, as bus companies rather invest in the expansion of routes and frequencies than in the quality of the travel experience.

Basic Concept

Based on these two main issues - poor design and economic competitiveness - the concept for Power Stops is based on two principles:

1. User- and location-sensitive design through a scalable modular system with a strong visual identity
2. Economic feasibility through the integration of small-scale energy production, made possible through entrepreneurial cooperation.

The visual design of the Power Stops is simple and yet easily recognizable. The basic module combines a set of ten flat vertical boards (carbon steel for the two outside boards, timber for the eight inside boards). The arrangement of the boards provides generous shading and proper ventilation - both of which is needed in Hong Kong’s subtropical climate. In the city’s extremely dense urban fabric the Power Stops represent robust objects that still come with a certain lightness and offer diverse appearances from different angles.

The rest of the physical and functional appearance of the Power Stops is based on the integration of small-scale energy generators and the way they cater to better user-experiences. Four key technologies are used to generate electricity in and around the stations: solar power, wind power, power from footsteps, and power from plants. While solar and wind power are widely used technologies that are developed by numerous companies - also on a micro scale - technologies to generate energy from footsteps and plants are less common. The two pioneering companies on these fields -Plant-e and Pavegen - are used here to illustrate the potential use of innovate energy-generation in the public space. This combination of electricity generators and the multiple sources of energy they tap into create a flexible system of local power production that can be used for a multiplicity of functions that future users of the bus stops can benefit from.

More integrated technologies allow for more functions. The basic Power Stop module generates electricity through solar panels or plants, combined with small wind turbines. The power can be used for the lights of the station as well as digital screens that display information on departure times and bus routes. Larger stations with higher passenger numbers make it possible to integrate energy-generating pavement-tiles and expand the amount of plant-, solar-, and wind-technology. This allows for more energy-intensive functions such as e-bike and e-scooter charging, smartphone charging, Wi-Fi, and interactive screens to enquire directions and search information on the surrounding neighborhood. The bigger the station, the higher the energy production, the better the user experience.

The link between energy production and user-experience also makes the Power Stops economically feasible. The highly commodified public transport system in Hong Kong mentioned above leads to a significant pressure on bus companies to remain competitive. Integrating small-scale energy production makes the improvement of passenger experiences more feasible, since the electricity needed for new features can be produced locally. Furthermore, the introduction of energy start-ups into the process stimulates cooperation between different economic actors.

Walker Road Case Design

Shown here is the design for the bus stop “Walker Road” in Hong Kong’s Hung Hom District. Close to the Homantin subway station, this stop is a node that connects city-wide transit with the bus routes that serve the district. It is operated by KMB, with four different lines frequenting the stop. Hence, Walker Road is a medium-sized stop, similar to many others in the district and beyond.

Based on the size of the current station, the new Power Stop has a sheltered area of six meters along the road. The boards provide shading against the sun that mostly comes from the south. Most sunlight shines on the western part of the station. Accordingly, solar panels are installed on the roof of the western third of the stop, while the other two thirds of the roof are covered with plants (including - of course - Plant-e technology). The side of the bus stop that seems to be more frequented is equipped with Pavegen tiles, while the other side leaves space for two bike-charging spots. A large screen allows for passengers’ interaction to find out their most convenient travel routes, check the weather forecasts, and find the most interesting facilities of the neighborhood.

Modularity

In order to adapt to the tremendous variety of localities to be found in Hong Kong, the Power Stops need to be highly flexible and scalable. Therefore, the system of vertical boards is used as the basic element to scale the stops without losing their visual identity. From tiny bus stops in remote areas, served by Hong Kong’s public mini-buses, to enormous transit hubs in the bustling centers of the city, frequented by dozens of bus lines and tens of thousands of passengers every day - the modular system of the Power Stops can adapt to every urban situation, retaining its easily recognizable style.

Larger bus stops accommodate more energy production technology and therefore more functional features. This symbiosis of social and environmental sustainability introduces a system of stations that grow together with their challenges. Power Stops are better bus stops that serve the needs of everyday people, combined with a high awareness for the environment.