Blue Spots Coming to Santa Monica

Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects (LOHA) and Bruce Mau Design (BMD) have won the competition to design the Big Blue Bus Shelter and Branding Package by the City of Santa Monica, California.

In charge of the bus shelter design, LOHA is developing an adaptable prototype to be used for 360 locations throughout the city. Called “the Blue Spots”, the design breaks the ‘typical shelter’ into a series of components that provide maximum flexibility, shading and visibility while responding to the built environment and varying solar angle orientations.

Through the synthesis of design and technology, the shelters will be a model of sustainability. Alternate power sources and high efficiency light fixtures, including LED illumination, will be incorporated for extended life span and ease of maintenance. In addition, the use of locally available recycled and reclaimed materials will all be employed in producing an iconic symbol and functional art work for the City.

Project Details:
Size: 20 – 200 sq. ft.
Program: 360 high, medium and low volume public bus shelters
Project Team: Lorcan O’Herlihy (Principal)
Donnie Schmidt (PD), Tom Myers (PM), Alex Morassut, Efren Soriano, Erik Albrightson, Gunnar Roensch
Client: City of Santa Monica and Big Blue Bus
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Completion Date: Fall 2010

Images: Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects / Bruce Mau Design