Wiata przystankowa - Gmina Bolków

New bus shelters in the Municipality of Bolków. The project was selected through a competition

In August 2024, the Bolków Municipality announced a competition for the design of an original bus shelter, the aim of which was to combine functionality with references to the rich history and legends of the region. The winning design, selected from numerous entries, was made by Michał Sierżęga, a student at the Warsaw University of Technology, in consultation with Jakub Kaczmarczyk of the Warsaw University of Technology and Tomasz Babula of the Rzeszów University of Technology. His concept of the “Bolków Stop” was appreciated for its skilful combination of aesthetics, functionality and local traditions.

The unique concept of the “Bolków Stop”

The winning design of the bus shelter is distinguished by its wooden structure with semi-circular cut-outs, which refer to characteristic elements of Bolków Municipality architecture, such as castle blanks and market arcades. The jury emphasised the designer’s ecological approach, which manifests itself, among other things, in the use of a roof covered with sedum matting, which allows for water retention. The plant mat roof not only improves the environmental credentials, but also contributes to the aesthetics of the entire structure. The modular design of the shelter allows its length to be adapted to local needs, allowing it to be used in a variety of locations with both lower and higher traffic volumes.

Wiata przystankowa - Gmina Bolków

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The new shelter – design solutions

The shed measures 368×139 cm, with a height of 288 cm to the top of the sheet metal casing, providing a passage light of 210 cm. The structure is made of glued laminated timber, with 8 cm thick CLT panels for robustness and durability. The columns have a section of 8×16 cm, which emphasises the stability of the structure. Decorative elements such as semi-circular cut-outs with a diameter of 52 cm and holes with a diameter of 4 cm add lightness and give the shed a distinctive local look. The side walls were designed to accommodate D-15 signs and bus number boards. Inside, two 122 cm long benches are planned, mounted at a height of 43 cm from the ground. In the central part of the bus stop, a space for people with disabilities has been provided, making the design more accessible.

Local bus stop design adapted to needs

The design takes a modular approach, allowing for flexible adaptation. At particularly busy stops, additional benches, spaces for wheelchairs or pushchairs and even standing backrests can be added. Clearance heights have been designed with standards in mind, emphasising the practicality of the concept. Attention lanes and a raised kerb have also been incorporated into the design to minimise the height difference between the bus and the bus stop. Although the concept is preliminary, it requires further consultation, including on the issue of bird collision prevention with glazed elements and lighting.

The competition to design a bus shelter in the Municipality of Bolków was a success, and the winning entry by Michał Sierżęga is an example of a modern approach to design, combining tradition, functionality and ecology. “The Bolków bus stop is not only a place to wait for the bus, but also an element that enriches the landscape and identity of the region.

Source: materials by the author, bolkow.pl

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