neostudio architekci's multifunctional communal bus stop in poland operates on solar power

concrete bus stop serves as communal educational space 

A single-story concrete building in the shape of a flat cuboid stands as a multifunctional communal bus stop in Wieleń, Poland. Dubbed ‘Bus Stop Education Community Center’ by architecture studio Neostudio Architekci, the space invites locals to stimulate social and cultural experiences. Restoring a sense of community, the bus stop consists of a cafe, square with a courtyard, terrace, and multipurpose area that is generated by a solar-powered lighting system.

With the focus on revitalizing the quarter in the city center between the Kościuszki, Sienkiewicza, and Wybickiego Streets, the bus stop named ‘Skwer Usług Kultury, Przystanek Edukacja’, replaced the original design proposal, the hotel ‘Du Nord’, to bring back gastronomic and communal services in that part of the town. The main investment target was to create a public square where locals gather and share information.

front elevation of concrete arcades

all images courtesy of Paweł Świerkowski

concrete arcades facade follows permeable sustainable design

In a similar manner to the neighboring buildings, the architects at Neostudio Architekci designed the urban partition as a flat cuboid of reinforced concrete arcades with walls divided into two different surfaces: 75% structural glazing and 25% fiber cement clad. The glass structure atrium operates as the information center and the cafe. One of the main design proposals was to reduce concrete and impervious areas by designing a permeable terrace and a gravel area in the public space while taking into account technical infrastructure and small architecture. 

Driven by the principles of environmental sustainability, the bus stop is also equipped with a low-consumption, solar-powered outdoor lighting system. Additionally, to eliminate urban heat, a green roof over the concrete building is installed and a single plane is centered in the middle of the square. The street and gravel area are separated by a partition wall, which can serve as a projection screen for outdoor events within the space, and a board on which ads and historical information can be displayed for street view. In addition, the cafe that opens to the multipurpose square serves as a city Information center for Wieleń, and a space for locals to reintegrate back into society.

drone view of the communal bus stop and green roof

main courtyard with gravel floor and a tree in the center

angled concrete slab offers shade between the surrounding facade and the glass structure

exterior view of the concrete facade and glass structure of the cafe

concrete arcades surround the glass structure

structural glazing forms the the information center and cafe

view of the interior from the outside concrete arcades

interior cafe

courtyard seating area

concrete facade by evening

project info:

name: Bus Stop Education Community Center
architects:  Neostudio Architekci, Bartosz Jarosz, Paweł Świerkowski

collaborators: Tomasz Sołtysiak

location: Wieleń, Poland

area: 100 sqm | 1076.39 sqft

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edited by: zaha mango | designboom