Jönköping

Bus Shelter - Weather Protection

The project aimed to develop a weather shelter for bus stops that integrates seamlessly with the overall bus network and surrounding urban environment. The design should embody the sustainable development of the city of Jönköping and contribute to a strong identity for each location.
✦ Animation
✦ Industrial Design
✦ Visualization
✦ User Experience
✦ Surface Design
A 3D visualization of the bus shelter. Camera slightly from above. The shelter is situated on a pavement in between 2 streets. There are a couple of person waiting for the bus there
Various ideas of bus shelters in the form of quick digital sketches. We can also see inspiration images picturing pergolas and wood structures.

Design intention

Adopting a functional, sustainable, and visually appealing solution was the core of the project. The visual expression should clearly represent the city enhancing the global experience of public transports in Jönköping.

With a soft, enveloping form, the structure creates a sense of being held and protected—omhändertagande—while offering practical weather protection and visual openness for safety. Both indoors and outdoors feel connected, fostering this protective yet open feeling, just like a pergola would do.

A collection of hand sketches of bus shelters on a white background, depicting various ideas of benches, structures and sitting positions.
A collection of hand sketches of bus shelters on a white background, depicting various ideas of benches, structures and sitting positions.
A collection of hand sketches of bus shelters on a white background, depicting various ideas of benches, structures and sitting positions.
A collection of hand sketches of bus shelters on a white background, depicting various ideas of benches, structures and sitting positions.

Modularity

From the beginning, the city required sustainable, circular design solutions. After testing different approaches with our project partners, we decided on a modular setup that can easily adapt to each specific scenario.

The construction is easy to set up, take down, expand, or reduce in size as needed. Its modular core makes it repairable at any time, and its simple joinery design makes separating the materials for recycling easy.

A 3D rendered animation of a portion of the final design of the bus shelter seen in an isometric perspective. The animation quickly flicks through all different combinations of shelter possible, some with protection, some with only outside benches, some with informative maps...
A stylized digital sketch of version of the shelter's close to the final version on a dark grey background. It shows flat views of the roof and gives information on its size with precise measurements of some elements.A stylized digital sketch of version of the shelter to the final version on a dark grey background. It shows flat front view of the shelter and gives information on its size with precise measurements of some elements.A stylized digital sketch of version of the shelter close to the final version on a dark grey background. It shows flat side view of the shelter and gives information on its size with precise measurements of some elements.A stylized digital sketch of version of the bench close to the final version on a dark grey background. It shows flat views of the bench and gives information on its size with precise measurements of some elements.
A 3D visualization in isometric perspective of many different cinfigurations of the bus shelter showcasing the modularity aspect of the shelter. Some are longer, shorter, with several benches or just one, more enclosed or more opened to adapt to different needs.
A 3D visualization of the bus shelter, focusing on the side windows where a couple of stickers inform about the name of the bus stop as well as the bus lines available. The modular wood structure of the shelter is visible as well as the lightweight design of the roof.

Result

Constructed using sustainable materials and designed for long-term durability, the shelter incorporates universal design principles: intuitive access, clear signage, seating with varied heights, and space for mobility aids, ensuring comfort and usability for everyone.

The design is modular and pergola inspired allowing adaptation to different contexts—urban streets, rural stops, or transport hubs—while maintaining a consistent visual identity. Each module connects seamlessly to extend functionality, integrate lighting, solar panels, or greenery.

A 3D visualization of the bus shelter showing the roof details from below. In the background we see a blue sky with some clouds and a bright green tree. The bright yet protective feeling of the shelter is clearly visible.
A 3D visualization of the bus shelter focusing on the roof. We look up towards the detailed wood structure that holds the roof. With visible galvanized steel bolts, we clearly understand how to assemble and dissassemble the pieces if we want to recycle or repair them.
A 3D visualization of the bus shelter focusing on the inside bench. Seen from a human perspective, we look down at the bench, where a man is sitting there with a dog by his side. Some grass is growing in the background, behind the bus shelter, enphasizing on the connection with the existing environment within the city of Jönköping.
A 3D rendered animation showing the wood structures appear from the white fictional background and snap into their place. This animation shows the very simple layout of the shelter's structure.A 3D rendered animation showing the informative screens being mounted on the wood structure. The point of view is rotating around the screens so the viewer is getting a good view of the constitution of the shelter.A 3D rendered animation showing the different pieces building the bench that are put together in mid air. The bench is then attached to the main wood pillars of the shelter.A 3D rendered animation of the glass panels beeing placed below the structural wood pillars of the shelter. They create protection, as well as visibility around the shelter for all users.

Implementation

This project has proven to be a highly valuable experience thanks to the diverse responsibilities we were tasked with. More than the form-giving hat, we were given the opportunity to act as a coordinator or facilitator between the different actors in the project. We believe that designers can also play that role of making sure that everyone is aligned on the same direction, aiming for the same goals and that everyone is being heard and involved. This was design work.

Many thanks to the city hall project team lead by Tor Olsson, the city architect Bengt Matthias Carlsson and Weland Trafikmiljö for such a great collaboration!

A photograph of the final bus shelter in the city of Jönköping. Seen from a human perspective, in front of a Lidl supermarket and a modern building, the shelter looks like it fits perfectly in its environment.
A photograph of the shelter in a warehouse being examined by employees of the city ensuring the quality is as expected. A photograph of the shelter being assembled in a warehouse. The wood is still virgin and the bench has just been bolted to the main structure.A photograph zoomed in the shelter to focus on the wood structure and the warm light sources placed on top of the pillars and reflecting in the glass roofs.A photograph of the bus shelter during the night. The warm light reflecting on the wood structure gives the protection a very safe feeling.
A 3D rendered visualization of the bus shelter seen from afar. It's in the middle of a vibrant and modern city. A few persons are waiting for their bus, standing or sitting on the wood benches.
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