Routemaster of Future Systems

In the election manifesto of the new mayor Boris Johnson, one of the priorities was to restore the original character of London’s streets. Following his electoral promise, a competition was announced in July 2008, aimed at replacing Livingston’s bendy buses with the returning icon of London - the routemaster - a red double-decker bus. Even though routemasters No. 9 and 15 still offer their transport service between the stops Royal Albert Hall and Tower Hill, their absence in the city is felt.
      Over 700 designs participated in the public competition. On January 8 of this year, the main prize was awarded to the designs of the teams Norman Foster-Aston Martin and Capoco Design. The dazzling design by Jan Kaplický also made it to the final selection. Unlike the plagiaristic copying of the characteristic features of the original bus, the prototype of the car from Future Systems is distinguished by a playful elliptical design, so typical of Jan Kaplický's handwriting. The vehicle is intended to be powered by a hydrogen engine housed in a lightweight aluminum shell structure.
      The design of the car, and especially the lifelong work of Mr. Kaplický characterized by unrestrained visionary architecture and design, will always remind us and refer to the uniqueness of this Czech master and his original contribution in the context of world architecture.