Pedro Luro Bus Terminal
Introduction
Our proposal is based on three axes, the most significant one is to ensure an efficient operational development in the terminal as well as the fulfillment of an integral program for the terminal needs through clear and differentiated circulation areas. The main objective of our proposal is achieved with transit and operation spaces, both at the public transport level of the personnel that works in the station, and that of the frequent commuters of the terminal.
Our second axis is to give the Terminal a tectonic character, to turn it into a singular building, clearly identifiable from the route and also from the City. This aspect will be particularly achieved through its architecture - a distinguished entrance gate to the City of Pedro Luro. Both, the city inhabitant and the visitor will feel attracted to the terminal by its architecture, developed mainly under a roof that generates a large supportive-space for its operations.
The third axis for this proposal is its sustainable environmental commitment with the application of modern technologies for energy generation, water use and recycling. Our proposal can qualify for a Leed certification in terms of its operating and construction characteristics by the use recyclable materials together with the energy resource and water generation.
Implantation
The Terminal is implanted in the recommended area, parallel to National Route No. 3. The building is developed on a rectangular geometry plant, dividing the piece of land in two and generating on each side on the major axis, two areas - one facing the route, for passenger mobility, the other facing the city, exclusive for the use of lightweight vehicles.
The accesses to both parking and maneuver areas have been clearly differentiated, so as to avoid vehicle-crossings during operations, turning it into an effective and safe way without accidents during the Terminal daily operation.
Next to the Bus access, we have placed the Operation Control Cabin, with a clear view of the entrance and exit of the units to the area, as well as the simple mechanics’ workshop located behind the maneuvering area.
A circulation axis runs perpendicular from the City grid to the interior of the Terminal. This axis is highlighted at its starting point by a water fountain, which will surely turn into a meeting place for commuters and inhabitants of the city. Walking along the circulation area towards the interior of the building, we reach an access hall, interrupted by two cross-sectional circulations. One of them will be used by personnel who works there and another by the general public, sharing waiting rooms, ticket offices and a large meeting hall.
Sustainability
In order to achieve high energy efficiency, we have designed the terminal with the objective of consuming 0 (zero) network energy. For this reason, we have adopted the wind energy resource. We have taken advantage of the fact the area is appropriate for the use of the wind energy on 85% of the days of the year, and have combined it with solar energy obtained through the use solar photovoltaic panels. This combination allows us to generate all the necessary energy for the terminal, we may even exchange the surplus of the generated energy with the local network, if necessary, in extreme situations.
Taking advantage of the metal structure support masts, we will mount the wind generators there. On the extensive metal roof, we will place the solar photovoltaic panels as needed.
The Terminal Building.
The roof is projected through a large cable-stayed metal structure, supported by central tubular steel masts and complemented by eight columns which hold the reinforced concrete structure. The beams are attached to the mentioned structure and their weight is supported by the tension rods that embrace it. The loads are transmitted by masts and columns to their reinforced concrete bases to be finally unloaded on the ground. It was designed to cover common spaces and gates, which require large spans of great height. The decision of using masts and tensioners achieves the objective at a reasonable cost. The masts also fulfill another mission: it supports Wind Turbines, equipment which will provide most of the energy necessary for the terminal operation.
The roof, additionally, collects rainwater and takes it out of the terminal through a system of simple operation and basic filtering, water will be collected, stored and treated, to later be used and reused.
Its internal shape, inclined towards the outside, responds to the need to evacuate the heat generated inside. Fresh air enters through openable windows at floor level. The terminal is ventilated through tilting-type windows in the upper part of the carpentry. With this design, the use of air conditioning equipment will not be necessary, except on days of high or very low temperatures.
The ceiling and the sides are made of composite aluminum with an acoustic design to absorb sound and prevent its rebound, ensuring that the space it covers has an adequate level of comfort. Around the masts, where they meet the roof structure, polycarbonate skylights are recommended so as to get natural light to enter the waiting areas.
To cover the service spaces, staff offices and other areas, the use of a reinforced concrete structure is suggested so as to grant strength considering the harsh treatment of the operation, adding a long useful life and low maintenance costs. To turn it into a reality, a reasonable and economical module of 5.00 x 8.00 m was adopted.
On the reinforced concrete roof, a green roof is recommended with appropriate plants to adapt to the climate in the area, thus generating ecological, environmental and climatic advantages for the indoor comfort.
On the edge of the concrete structure with a view to the terminal, we have designed a service terrace, suitable for supporting the outdoor units of the air conditioning equipment, with access to maintenance from the terrace, with the injection and direct return to the common spaces. This sector is protected by parasols, not seen from other areas, which will protect the equipment from harsh weather conditions.
Entering through the Entrance Hall, and ahead of us, we visualize all the designated gates with waiting buses, a suspended information board indicating time of arrival and departure of buses. This board will be located above the entrance door to the designated areas and will be seen in all four directions
Upon entering the Hall, we clearly recognize different operation areas in the terminal: information desks, ticket offices, package delivery department, waiting sites and transit to the designated gates. To the right of the Hall the complementary program is developed: commercial premises, a cafeteria next to the leisure room, also health services and luggage storage areas.
The personnel working at the terminal have independent services, access areas and rest places complying with current regulations.
Summary
Our proposal for the new Pedro Luro Terminal represents a new imprint through an avant-garde image, with the inclusion of a sustainable design and new technologies.
We have aimed at creating a new Urban Landmark, recognizable by the Pedro Luro community and the people who commute along National Route 3. The terminal becomes a powerful landmark that welcomes new travelers, as well as the inhabitants of the city together with the vanguard of new investments for the future of the City.
The authors
“The publication of the work is authorized in this act in case of not being awarded.
Our proposal is based on three axes, the most significant one is to ensure an efficient operational development in the terminal as well as the fulfillment of an integral program for the terminal needs through clear and differentiated circulation areas. The main objective of our proposal is achieved with transit and operation spaces, both at the public transport level of the personnel that works in the station, and that of the frequent commuters of the terminal.
Our second axis is to give the Terminal a tectonic character, to turn it into a singular building, clearly identifiable from the route and also from the City. This aspect will be particularly achieved through its architecture - a distinguished entrance gate to the City of Pedro Luro. Both, the city inhabitant and the visitor will feel attracted to the terminal by its architecture, developed mainly under a roof that generates a large supportive-space for its operations.
The third axis for this proposal is its sustainable environmental commitment with the application of modern technologies for energy generation, water use and recycling. Our proposal can qualify for a Leed certification in terms of its operating and construction characteristics by the use recyclable materials together with the energy resource and water generation.
Implantation
The Terminal is implanted in the recommended area, parallel to National Route No. 3. The building is developed on a rectangular geometry plant, dividing the piece of land in two and generating on each side on the major axis, two areas - one facing the route, for passenger mobility, the other facing the city, exclusive for the use of lightweight vehicles.
The accesses to both parking and maneuver areas have been clearly differentiated, so as to avoid vehicle-crossings during operations, turning it into an effective and safe way without accidents during the Terminal daily operation.
Next to the Bus access, we have placed the Operation Control Cabin, with a clear view of the entrance and exit of the units to the area, as well as the simple mechanics’ workshop located behind the maneuvering area.
A circulation axis runs perpendicular from the City grid to the interior of the Terminal. This axis is highlighted at its starting point by a water fountain, which will surely turn into a meeting place for commuters and inhabitants of the city. Walking along the circulation area towards the interior of the building, we reach an access hall, interrupted by two cross-sectional circulations. One of them will be used by personnel who works there and another by the general public, sharing waiting rooms, ticket offices and a large meeting hall.
Sustainability
In order to achieve high energy efficiency, we have designed the terminal with the objective of consuming 0 (zero) network energy. For this reason, we have adopted the wind energy resource. We have taken advantage of the fact the area is appropriate for the use of the wind energy on 85% of the days of the year, and have combined it with solar energy obtained through the use solar photovoltaic panels. This combination allows us to generate all the necessary energy for the terminal, we may even exchange the surplus of the generated energy with the local network, if necessary, in extreme situations.
Taking advantage of the metal structure support masts, we will mount the wind generators there. On the extensive metal roof, we will place the solar photovoltaic panels as needed.
The Terminal Building.
The roof is projected through a large cable-stayed metal structure, supported by central tubular steel masts and complemented by eight columns which hold the reinforced concrete structure. The beams are attached to the mentioned structure and their weight is supported by the tension rods that embrace it. The loads are transmitted by masts and columns to their reinforced concrete bases to be finally unloaded on the ground. It was designed to cover common spaces and gates, which require large spans of great height. The decision of using masts and tensioners achieves the objective at a reasonable cost. The masts also fulfill another mission: it supports Wind Turbines, equipment which will provide most of the energy necessary for the terminal operation.
The roof, additionally, collects rainwater and takes it out of the terminal through a system of simple operation and basic filtering, water will be collected, stored and treated, to later be used and reused.
Its internal shape, inclined towards the outside, responds to the need to evacuate the heat generated inside. Fresh air enters through openable windows at floor level. The terminal is ventilated through tilting-type windows in the upper part of the carpentry. With this design, the use of air conditioning equipment will not be necessary, except on days of high or very low temperatures.
The ceiling and the sides are made of composite aluminum with an acoustic design to absorb sound and prevent its rebound, ensuring that the space it covers has an adequate level of comfort. Around the masts, where they meet the roof structure, polycarbonate skylights are recommended so as to get natural light to enter the waiting areas.
To cover the service spaces, staff offices and other areas, the use of a reinforced concrete structure is suggested so as to grant strength considering the harsh treatment of the operation, adding a long useful life and low maintenance costs. To turn it into a reality, a reasonable and economical module of 5.00 x 8.00 m was adopted.
On the reinforced concrete roof, a green roof is recommended with appropriate plants to adapt to the climate in the area, thus generating ecological, environmental and climatic advantages for the indoor comfort.
On the edge of the concrete structure with a view to the terminal, we have designed a service terrace, suitable for supporting the outdoor units of the air conditioning equipment, with access to maintenance from the terrace, with the injection and direct return to the common spaces. This sector is protected by parasols, not seen from other areas, which will protect the equipment from harsh weather conditions.
Entering through the Entrance Hall, and ahead of us, we visualize all the designated gates with waiting buses, a suspended information board indicating time of arrival and departure of buses. This board will be located above the entrance door to the designated areas and will be seen in all four directions
Upon entering the Hall, we clearly recognize different operation areas in the terminal: information desks, ticket offices, package delivery department, waiting sites and transit to the designated gates. To the right of the Hall the complementary program is developed: commercial premises, a cafeteria next to the leisure room, also health services and luggage storage areas.
The personnel working at the terminal have independent services, access areas and rest places complying with current regulations.
Summary
Our proposal for the new Pedro Luro Terminal represents a new imprint through an avant-garde image, with the inclusion of a sustainable design and new technologies.
We have aimed at creating a new Urban Landmark, recognizable by the Pedro Luro community and the people who commute along National Route 3. The terminal becomes a powerful landmark that welcomes new travelers, as well as the inhabitants of the city together with the vanguard of new investments for the future of the City.
The authors
“The publication of the work is authorized in this act in case of not being awarded.
| Location | Buenos Aires. Argentina. |
|---|---|
| Type | Transporte e Infrastructura |
| Surface | 2730 m2 |
| Year | 2022 |
