A new concept bus stop has arrived in Singapore, a demonstration of how ground-up energy and creativity can be harnessed for urban and social innovation.
Conceived by a group of architects from DP Architects (DPA) as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the prototype bus stop is designed to “make waiting fun”. It re-imagines the daily commuting experience and how people transit, interact, and socialise in this public space. Named Project Bus Stop, the architects envisaged the new concept bus stop serving beyond its primary function to make waiting for buses a fun and enriching experience for commuters.
DPA’s Director Mr Seah Chee Huang, who spearheaded the initiative, said, “We are looking forward to see how commuters use, experience and enjoy this new setting. Hopefully the community will appreciate how bus stops can be an extension of their social environments, as sites of possibilities, fun and enrichment. We also hope this project will encourage more fellow professionals to step forward and collaborate actively in the design of our everyday public spaces, as well as inspire the community to take greater ownership in shaping their own environments.”
Working on the premise that bus stops need not be just functional and utilitarian, the team of young architects saw this experimental project as an opportunity to show how imagination, creative design and technology can enhance the ubiquitous bus stop as a social space as well as the commuting experience. When they mooted the idea, it resonated with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
This ground-up design solution features a bus-stop with free WiFi1; handphone charging points; interactive smart boards that provide content and services such as bus arrival timings, e-books download and journey planner; a green roof; bicycle parking; and even a swing. It also showcases artwork by local illustrator Lee Xin Li.
Project Bus Stop was implemented through a multi-agency collaboration comprising the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, LTA, National Environment Agency, National Library Board, National Parks Board, Singapore Land Authority and URA.
This experimental project is located along Jurong Gateway Road at Jurong East Central. Its new features will be in operation for a year from August 2016, and the public are encouraged to share their experiences of using the bus stop. The feedback received will help the agencies understand and ascertain the merits and value of the various features for consideration in the planning and design of bus stops going forward.
Project Bus Stop is one of several ongoing projects by government agencies and the industry to test out innovative technology in Jurong Lake District, which is envisioned to be a leading model for Singapore in developing a mixed-use urban district that is sustainable, smart and connected.
Details on the features of Project Bus Stop are available in Annex A [PDF, 1,407kb]. It is now in operation and the public is encouraged to share their feedback at AUDE@ura.gov.sg.
This spirit of community involvement in enlivening public spaces is what URA has been encouraging through the “Our Favourite Place” programme. Members of the public who also wish to initiate place activation projects can visit this page or contact URA_ourfaveplace@ura.gov.sg.
1Targeted to be available in September 2016