Bus stop of the Future

Merging parametric design and public transport infrastructure

Summary

Client: Provincie Zuid-Holland

Year: 2018

Status: Finished study

Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

To sustain a healthy and livable city we need to get people out of their cars and into public transportation. The bus stops that users spend their time on is neither as comfortable nor as attractive as a car. That’s why we designed the bus stop of the future.

Data-driven, flexible & comfortable

Every site and every stop is unique. The size, shape, orientation, amenities and service intervals are custom.

The bus stop is one of the only static elements that supports bus infrastructure. It is an essential feature for people with disabilities and at the same time an opportunity to offer travellers with more comfort and services while waiting. Depending… — The bus stop is one of the only static elements that supports bus infrastructure. It is an essential feature for people with disabilities and at the same time an opportunity to offer travellers with more comfort and services while waiting. Depending on the location (e.g. rural vs. urban) amenities that are available can change.

In collaboration with the City of Rotterdam we designed a pilot for the location HES, near the Erasmus University. With data from that specific stop the algorithm redesigned the bus stop to fit peak usage and to have users board the bus while covere… — In collaboration with the City of Rotterdam we designed a pilot for the location HES, near the Erasmus University. With data from that specific stop the algorithm redesigned the bus stop to fit peak usage and to have users board the bus while covered from the rain.

This basic design was then materialized for robotic assembly and 3D-printing.

These were chosen as they can be used for mass-customized production.

Modular in wood

The first concept can extended by adding an extra unit. It’s not very flexible but allows for relatively easy extension. The construction is made up of assembled reclaimed wood.

Custom in concrete

A 3D-printed bus stop made of concrete. Both durable and made to measure. Although the least flexible of the three concepts, this stop is designed as an eye-catcher to make public transport as sexy as driving a Countach.

Extensible in plastics

The most flexible and deemed most feasible option is the extensible bus stop 3D-printed from reclaimed plastic. The structure of the roof is inspired by soap bubbles; it is lightweight and transparent. The roof structure can be easily extended when travel increases by printing new elements.

This project was realized at Studio RAP, which I founded and ran from 2014-2020.