Transit Node
What is a bus stop? When we began to consider this question, we started to understand that bus stops are a combination of marker, shelter, transportation interchange, and social space.
In our observations, most riders waited outside the covered stops, so we opted to design an unconfined space with a variety of positioning styles and set recognition as a high priority. In as much as the bus stop is a go-between, it also lends itself as a landmark. Making the stop a more visible component in the urban fabric can increase safety, awareness, and reinforce the sense of place while at the same time showing potential users the viability and convenience of the system and its locations.
We wanted to provide a space comfortable for interaction. By giving users a clear boundary on the ground, we provide them with the opportunity to be engaged in the social space at their own discretion. Here we opted for a few different fixtures that accommodate the most common postures observed at the bus stops. Considering the current state of our public transportation network, we concluded that a flexible modular system was the most appropriate in providing the opportunity to tailor fit each stop based on its needs. However seemingly insignificant, these nodes, have a far reaching impact for the everyday traveler.
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Awards:
Merit Award, AIA Birmingham Chapter