Architect: Wendel Duchscherer, Buffalo and Progressive AE, Grand Rapids, MI

This project was the recipient of the 2005 AIA Michigan Honor Award

The design of a 17 bus slip transfer facility in the heart of Grand Rapids provides a “Sawtooth” bus circulation pattern around one central pedestrian platform. The architecture and structure of the rolling fabric canopies overhead, combined with the adjacency of the site to the Grand River, provide the design context for the project. A “riverscape” of blue tile meanders across the platform, with an overlay of a brick grid to emulate the steel above. Two primary pedestrian amenity areas anchor each end, with large planting islands and seating walls scattered along the river.

The continuity of classic materials expressed in a contemporary manner allows the facility to connect with the existing neighborhood as well as the sweeping elevated highway adjacent to it. Steel trellis “trees” were designed to overcome the challenges of the fabric canopy, while providing a needed scale element. Seating planters with planting masses highlight the textural qualities of the small, shade tolerant plants used throughout the project.