Bus terminal, Dornach-Arlesheim

Taking cues from the local landscape, Otto + Partner Architects instilled energy into an otherwise mundane programme for the regional transportation hub through a simple play of curves. In lieu of covering the bus platforms with a plain and functionally standard canopy, cantilever or roof, the architects instead chose to design a series of 'hills' in irregular strips, each offset from the other, just as the neighbouring mountains can be perceived. The length and width of each roof differs, yet still follows functional conditions.

According to the architects, 'Looking from a hill towards the Jura mountain range, the hills form continuous lines, which overlap in the depth of perspective. These overlapping soft and irregular wavy lines are the starting point of the design of the roof of the bus terminal… The wavy lines themselves are sinusoidal lines, which are staggered, so that valleys and mountains meet. This creates lenticular (biconvex) glass openings through which daylight falls on the platforms.'

Constructed of wood, the arcing bands are softened in a material sense, lending credence to the project’s organic, local integration. Steel columns support them, a UV-protective treatment reduces weathering and discolouration, and night lighting emphasizes the waveforms' natural shadows. Minimal and effective, the three long undulations in this context serve to construct a better sense of place in a setting that might otherwise produce no such sentiment.