Under one roof: bus station in Nitra

An unconventional concept, continuous roofing, was chosen for the terminal of long-distance bus lines in Nitra. Passengers are thus well protected from inclement weather. The reason this type of roofing is not seen more often is the necessity to solve a number of technical problems, such as drainage or statics. In the creative studio designcité+, they found a solution and simultaneously developed an additive principle that allows for the continuous roofing of any area size.

The bus station in Nitra is divided into a section for urban and suburban transport and a section designated for long-distance lines. The entire station was implemented in two phases. Mmcité+ is the author of the second phase: the roofing of the terminal for long-distance lines.

It was necessary to visually connect to the first phase, so the same color scheme was chosen. At the same time, a different shape solution for the roofing was used. Instead of classic "swallows" covering individual platforms, this terminal features roofing consisting of a series of shed roofs that connect to support the statics of the roofing while maintaining large column spacings and allowing for the entire area to be drained. The projection then had the challenging task of aligning the roofing structure with the transport parameters.

The rectangular layout of the roofing, as well as the supporting structure, is somewhat complicated, so emphasis was placed on achieving maximum visual cleanliness. Therefore, a suspended ceiling cover made of sandwich panels is placed under the steel supporting structure. Central steel columns, which combine several functions, are clad with a thick galvanized steel sheet with a painted surface. Not only are they safely protected from mechanical damage, but they also contribute to the visually clean appearance of the building.

High demands were placed on the craftsmanship of the ceilings and cladding. For instance, there is not a single visible screw or rivet on the ceiling. This highlights the architectural shape of the structure.
Built-in bins for sorted waste and lighting integrated along the entire length of the beams also serve to eliminate visual fragmentation.

The character of the building is defined by three black beams protruding beyond the footprint at the highest points of the roofing. The dark supporting elements emphasize the order of the building and integrate all the electrical wiring within them. In contrast, two white beams at the lowest point of the roof structure serve for water drainage. The alternating of dark, backbone beams and columns with white ones is crucial for the expression and perception of the structure's shape. The turquoise color creates an accent that carries information - the platform number. A thoughtfully designed artistic-technical system has been created.

The use of graphics plays a significant role. This appears on the glass screens at the outer platforms in the form of a print with a design inspired by horizontal traffic signage for buses. The furniture was also selected and installed to become a prominent artistic and graphic element.

Special care should be given not only to the main transport terminals of significant metropolises but to every transport structure. Even a limited budget cannot be an excuse not to seek the best shape solution. Engineering design has the potential to enhance public space.

---

 Investor: Arriva Nitra, a.s.
Main contractor: MEGSPOL, spol. s.r.o.
Design author: designcité+
Realization: mmcité+ a.s.