Amazon Aŭtobusostacio

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The station, understood beyond an urban node, functions as an artifact that converges and connects people, reduces mobility time and removes physical barriers. A flexible facility was designed, with public bus and bicycle connections. Its central module, with natural lighting, humanizes the space: on a human scale, it allows decision-making on routes. The curved glass facade reflects the surrounding environment, creating a mix of movements, shapes and colors that enhance the interior experience.

Dimensions & Packaging

The station has dimensions of 16000 x 4000 mm, stabilized on the ground on 4 supports. Each structural triangle was made from a 75x3 mm quadrangular steel tube. The tubes are joined together using Mig welding and manually finished at the edges. The seals are made of glass skin, molded and cut using templates. The glass pieces were fixed with structural silicone on anodized aluminum panels. The glass is reflective laminated, 8 mm thick, with 99.8% performance against direct solar radiation.

Tags

bus station, transportation, parametric, sustainability, structure, architecture

Production Technology

The station is a structural fabric made up of 600 mm-sided triangles, which take on tensile and compressive functions, forming a rigid mesh. Recycled steel was chosen, reducing carbon emissions by 70%. The proposed roof aeration system is innovative and thermally conditions the environment, with low maintenance and implementation costs. The device does not require the use of electronic components. The device has laminated glass fins that allow wind and light to pass through, but block rain.

Design Challenge

The construction process took place in two distinct phases: construction in an industrial environment and assembly on site. The decision to produce the parts in a controlled industrial environment led to better results in terms of execution and quality control. We used the labor of local shipbuilders, engaging the local population. Given the complexity of the cutting and fitting of the parts, we decided to divide the structure into three large finished parts, finishing only the joints on site.

Research

The station's conception was born out of a public consultation, in which users defined 4 essential project premises as demands: Robustness of the equipment, low implementation and operating costs, environmental comfort and protection of users against bad weather. Given these basic concepts, we propose the use of materials with high resistance to bad weather, low maintenance costs, and the adoption of traditional elements of Amazonian architecture, such as ventilation fins on the roof.

Inspiration

The issue of sustainability is understood as a fundamental condition of this project. The primary design gesture is a direct influence from regional vernacular architecture: The glass fins that aerate the top of the structure, the generous roof as an element of protection against the weather and the cross ventilation inside the space provide environmental comfort and reference the rich heritage of Amazonian architecture.

Project Duration

The project began in may 2023 in Belém of Pará and was completed in february 2024.

Operation Flow

he idea of the station as an isolated point was discarded, and it was incorporated as an integral part of a multimodal mobility network within the city. This concept reduces travel times, operating costs and increases the reliability of the public transport system. Ramps and other accessibility devices were used, physical and visual barriers were removed, making boarding and disembarking accessible and fast. This has ensured that passengers of any mobility level can safely use a bus.

Patents

Fernando Andrade and Associates

Image Credits

Image 01: Walda Marques, Amazon Bus Station, 2024. Image 02: Walda Marques, Amazon Bus Station, 2024. Image 04: Walda Marques, Amazon Bus Station, 2024. Image 05: Walda Marques, Amazon Bus Station, 2024. Image 06: Walda Marques, Amazon Bus Station, 2024.