Abstract:
The basic function of a bus shelter is to protect people from the elements; wind, rain and sun. The current designs of bus shelters have a moderate form with three walls and a roof. The structures simply exist as shelters and do not evoke excitement on street level. Using architectural devices this thesis will examine the existing structure of bus shelters and redesign the shelter to provide playful spaces for the public throughout Auckland’s city centre. The design outcome explores the potential for bus shelters to be more than waiting spaces. Bus shelters can be found scattered throughout the streets in Auckland’s city centre. This thesis involves redesigning a standard bus shelter. The recipe: small pops of fun in Auckland City with a splash of rainbow and a spoonful of character. Bus shelters have the potential to host small yet powerful interpersonal interactions. The shelter can be used as a platform for these interactions, sparking joy to people in the city. The research for this thesis involves: A critical analysis of small scale structured precedents -- Determining how the public currently view bus shelter designs and identifying changes that could be implemented -- Testing different activations at existing bus shelters and analysing the public response Parallel to this research, the ‘Model-a-day Challenge’—a daily challenge that involves creating a new iteration of a shelter—has been employed as a task to allow for exploration of many different concepts. Through live installations, this project exhibits the positive outcomes of providing small public spaces throughout the city. The shelters are designed to encourage people to take public transport and improve their experience of the city through interactive architectural responses. Simple themes are extrapolated to foster a playful environment for those who are waiting for the bus. The final design involves constructing a 1:1 scale structure that is a compilation of the research and findings from the model making process, presented at Artweek Auckland and World Park(ing) Day (public art installation events).