The Umbrella Baus-stop

For the design challenge, to create a Bauhaus-themed bus stop as a landmark and a reminder of what that movement was and what it is all about – and also what it can be today – many of the original principals where used: form follows function, simplicity, minimalism, the use of geometric shapes, no separation between artistry and craftsmanship, the use and displaying of true materials, a smart use of resources and space as well as modern technology. By applying all these principals, we challenged the notion of what a normal bus stop is or what a Bauhaus bus stop can be.

What are the basic functions of a bus stop? It marks the spot where you can wait for a bus. You are sheltered from the weather. You can sit down and rest while waiting. You can inform yourself about the bus schedules. At night, it is often an illuminated location. Especially then, but also during the day, it is a gathering point for people, a distinguished spot among others along the streets of a city or a road – even attracting people who are not waiting for a bus.

The here chosen concept and form for the “Baus-stop”, a bus stop right across the street of the Bauhaus University and it’s campus in Weimar, Germany (the birthplace of said style) is both simple and minimalistic: A giant umbrella as a shelter and gathering point for people waiting for the bus is placed next to the street. Its form follows its function – it is a highly recognisable point, moreover it shelters people from nature. It is simple – everybody recognises it as a sheltering umbrella. From an architectural standpoint, it is also just a roof with a load-bearing pole, no walls are needed. Very minimalistic, but very effective and functional. The structure consists of clear geometric shapes: an inverted arc, a cylinder and a hemisphere. Craftsmanship is surely needed to construct and build it, but the use of the umbrella and its size is rather artistic and surprising for the here intended purpose. Under the roof of the umbrella, a semi-circular bench, open towards the street, offers a seating-accommodation for those who want or need it.

The structure is open to all sides and visible from all directions. It can be accessed from the pavement as well as the Ilm Park, located behind the bus stop along the Belvederer Allee. Like every other good bus stop, it is open and accessible not only for people using public transportation. The seemingly light structure also doesn’t impede the view into the park, at the University or at the nearby located Liszt House. Equally important: bus drivers can easily spot potential passengers while approaching the stop.

Of course, the used materials are neither those of a typical umbrella nor of a normal bus stop for that matter: It consists of a (partly inner) steel supporting structure and is resting on the curved semi-circle umbrella handle as “a foot”, which is anchored to the hidden foundation in the ground. So the actual footprint (ground contact) is a rather small point. The visible steel elements like the “handle”, the shaft or the roof braces are all chrome-plated. At eye level, the shaft is covered with a white electric screen, showing text and graphics, informing people about the bus timetables. The seemingly light, semi-transparent and almost hovering roof – the actual umbrella – consists, besides the chromed steel structure, of curved satin-finished glass sheets.

Even when not illuminated, the bright and shiny structure is clearly visible against the dark tarmac of the street or the green brown colouring of the park. In the evening or at night the crown of light, hidden in the umbrellas brim illuminates the inner dome of the hemisphere, bathing people standing underneath in a warm, pleasant light. The rather rough and natural exposed concrete of the bench contrasts on purpose with the umbrella. It’s chosen materials where inspired by the product design side of the Bauhaus. The “Umbrella Baus-stop” can be seen and produced like a product.

In this way, the “Umbrella Baus-stop” is a small but meaningful work of art – a “Gesamtkunstwerk” with the spirit of the Bauhaus. It is a worthwhile addition to the urban space of Weimar or maybe other towns and cities. It doesn’t necessarily need to correspond with it’s surroundings, it stands alone. But also it is restrained enough to not interfere with it’s surroundings, fresh and new, but striving for timelessness like the Bauhaus intended for its works.