Ettore Sottsass, an Italian designer in the second half of the 20th century designed this fascinating bus stop. Sottsass reinterprets the principle of ‘table’ in his design. Sottsass, born 1917 is widely known for his bold forms and vibrant colors. This bus stop is no exception. The most noticeable feature is the yellow grid that easily reads as a series of ‘x’s and act as ‘legs’ to this tabletop design. Pinned as a ‘grey tablecloth’, the slim grey-lined roof canopies over the structure and provides shelter from the elements for those waiting for their bus. Minimal wind protection is provided. The roof is solid, allowing limited sunlight in to its interior. The base is made of synthetic stone and is rendered white with black specks. This block formed base is cut into to provide seating on both the interior and exterior on all sides of the shelter. Exterior seating has very minimal protection from both sun and precipitation. Being stone, these seats are fairly uncomfortable and not intended for extended use. Although this bus stop may catch your eye in the day, it is its night visuals that really make this design stand out. Spotlights placed in the base light up the grid making for an interesting visual effect on both the yellow grid and the roof. The bus shelter looks magnificent at night but sadly leaves its users in the dark at base level.
-Jeff Isbister
Ganseforth, Heinrich. Űstra: Design for Local Public Transport Infrastructure in Hannover. http://www.uestra.deengdownloadbusstop_folder_eng.pdf (Date Accessed: March 22, 2006).
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