Shelter of the central bus station, Lugano, Switzerland (2000-2001)

Project: 2000Construction: 2001
Client: City of Lugano
Structural engineering: Passera+Pedretti SA, Grancia/Biasca
Light engineering: Elettroconsulenze Solcà SA, Lugano
Site area: 4'915 m²
Covered area: 1261 m²
Volume: 10'111 m³

The shelter for the central bus terminal in Lugano is located on Corso Pestalozzi. It extends for a length of about 70 meters and a depth of 18 meters. A pair of twin beams in sectional iron rests on four pairs of pillar. Each beam extends laterally, respectively at the height of 5 and 7 meters. The result is the creation of a central nave and two lateral wings that provide a shelter over the bus stop area and the pedestrian waiting area. The bearing structure is clad with translucent cellular polycarbonate that characterizes the image of the interchange both by day, with broad sheltered areas illuminated by natural light, and by night, thanks to the coloured lights positioned inside the structure.