CAZA creates cebu city’s new bus stations referencing basket weaving
all images © frank callaghan

 

 

 

cebu in philipines have inaugurated their first major public transit system ‘BRT’ that will serve around 15–25% of the population, which will also connect it to three other cities in the country. for this occasion, brooklyn-based firm CAZA have created a series of bus stations that draws reference from ancient basket-­weaving traditions of cebu. each of the stations vary in size and scale, but share a consistent system of furniture to seamlessly link the identity of the stations between the four cities.

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the project will significantly improve sidewalks, crosswalks, and public lighting throughout the streets of cebu

 

 

 

the BRT project will significantly improve sidewalks, crosswalks, and public lighting throughout the city streets, while also addressing problems such as flooding. each roof has been designed to catch water, and direct the rainfall from intense rainstorms away from the street, alleviating flooring on the streets and sidewalks. at the same time, the roof acts as a source of shade, shielding civilians from the intense heat and extreme weather that are characteristic of certain times of year in the philippines. while this project significantly improves the public transit system, it also keeps in mind the human condition, making new infrastructure into a cultural icon for cebu city.

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this is the first major public transit system developed in cebu, which has a population of roughly 3.5 million

 

 

 

‘the cebu BRT is really the first transit system of its kind in the philippines, that services an entire metropolitan area, connecting a historic district with the international airport and fast-­growing regions on the periphery. the project is a landmark for a country struggling to figure out how to improve the lives of its citizens and resolve transportation challenges with limited resources.’ – carlos arnaiz, principal of CAZA

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CAZA also designed the landscaping and furniture around each station

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as of may 2016, five of the nineteen stations have been built and are operational

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the transport system will connect the cities of cebu, mandaue, talisay, and lapu-­lapu

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the roof acts as a water catcher, and is able to direct the rainfall from intense rainstorms away from the street

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the geometrical form references basket weaving

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cebu BRT by CAZA architects