PUBLIC SPACE + CIVIC
BIG BLUE BUS SHELTERS
LOCATION:Santa Monica, CA, United States
PROGRAM: Roughly 300 Low-to-High Density Bus Shelters
STATUS: Under Construction
SIZE: 20-200 SF Per Shelter
TEAM: Lorcan O'Herlihy (Principal), Donnie Schmidt (PD), Ian Dickenson, Tom Myers
CLIENT: City of Santa Monica
PROGRAM: Roughly 300 Low-to-High Density Bus Shelters
STATUS: Under Construction
SIZE: 20-200 SF Per Shelter
TEAM: Lorcan O'Herlihy (Principal), Donnie Schmidt (PD), Ian Dickenson, Tom Myers
CLIENT: City of Santa Monica
LOHA reinterpreted the conventional bus shelter as part of an effort to revitalize the perception of public transportation in the City of Santa Monica. A product of rigorous research, the new shelter has been restructured to provide maximum flexibility, shading, and visibility at all times throughout the day. Over 300 shelters will be raised in Santa Monica, and over one thousand bus stands will be placed throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan region. This project will incrementally transform the urban fabric and streetscape of the city.
Los Angeles is known as a region that has evolved around the automobile. With an overwhelming percentage of private commuters, the public bus system assumes the poor reputation as an undesirable method of transport. LOHA teamed with Bruce Mau Design to redesign the City of Santa Monica’s public transportation branding and identity package. The architect’s scope was a bus shelter design overhaul.
By stripping the basic bus shelter to its most essential components, the horizontal sun-shade and the vertical wind-buffer, and integrating research on the Southern California climate and public transportation statistics, an adaptable modular prototype was developed that could be adjusted for various conditions throughout the city. The model maximizes the horizontal element’s shading capacity by considering solar angle orientations and, due to minimal vertical components, does not block views of storefronts and businesses.
Through the synthesis of design and technology, the shelter system will be a model for sustainable urban development. The use of locally available recycled and reclaimed materials will be employed. Alternate power sources and high efficiency light fixtures, including LED illumination, will be incorporated for extended life span and ease of maintenance. GPS-based technologies will provide real-time schedule information and improved signage and usability will enhance the rider experience.
The Big Blue Bus Shelters are slated to appear throughout Santa Monica beginning early 2014. They will not only visually redefine public bus transportation, but also serve as new iconic markers and functional works of art for the City.
