A new 3D-printed concrete bus stop has been installed in Bratislava, Slovakia, as part of urban development in the growing Čerešne district. The Lipského bus stop, designed by COLLARCH in collaboration with Architekti Šebo Lichý and ICE Industrial Services, features an elliptical cylinder shape with a layered texture similar to geological formations.
The bus stop was created as part of the Harmincova Street expansion project, which improves public transit access to the rapidly developing area. Its location at the entrance to the new urban district serves as a functional transit point. The Prague-based COLLARCH studio continues to explore the intersection of technology and architecture through this public infrastructure project.
The shelter’s design employs parametric generation techniques and 3D printing technology to create its distinctive concrete shell. Its western tilt helps reduce exposure to afternoon sun and prevailing winds, while strategic perforations on the southeastern side enhance visibility and security. These features demonstrate how digital fabrication can address specific site conditions.
Complementary materials include a minimalist steel and glass roof that incorporates Stopsol reflective glass to reduce heat absorption. The seating elements were also produced using 3D printing technology and finished with larch wood for improved tactile comfort. Integrated lighting completes the design, creating a functional waiting environment throughout the year.
This project illustrates how 3D printing technology is being applied to create public infrastructure that balances aesthetic considerations with practical needs. By utilizing parametric design and digital fabrication, the bus stop responds to its specific urban context while serving as a functional transit shelter for the community.
Source: designboom.com
