Long Distance Bus Interior
night:switch
night:switch utilises the enormous potential of overnight bus journeys and offers a pleasant travel experience at any time of day by combining a normal long-distance bus with a comfortable overnight bus.
Similar to the function of a light switch, which brings light into the darkness at night by flipping it, the night:switch concept can also react to the onset of darkness by adapting its interior to the changing needs at night.
The concept results from a synthesis of the interests of the users and those of the manufacturers and operators of long-distance buses.
Project
Bachelor Thesis
University
OTH Regensburg
Year
2023
Concept
The concept is based on a standard double-decker bus. This makes it possible to split certain areas of the bus onto two floors depending on their function.
While the upper deck has spacious seating during the day, at night it is transformed into a cosy rest area with comfortable sleeping berths.
The lower deck, on the other hand, fulfils the function of a communication room where people can eat, talk and freshen up.
The bus is both a place of rest and relaxation as well as an intercultural and intergenerational meeting point.
day: sit
night: sleep
refresh, communicate, work, eat
Lower Deck
Upper Deck
day | night
Lower Deck
The passenger compartment includes a modifiable lounge in the boarding area of the bus, a spacious toilet, twelve seats arranged in groups of four with a table, a pantry and two staircases to the upper deck.
Restroom
The restroom is located directly in the boarding area at the centre of the bus and can be reached quickly by all passengers.
The spacious layout and the clothes hooks on the wall allow passengers to change their clothes. A large storage area next to the washbasin provides space for storing toiletry bags. Handrails that are easily accessible from any point in the washroom offer passengers support while travelling.
Pantry
The pantry in the lower deck offers passengers everything they need for self-catering during the journey. The stainless steel worktop ensures easy cleaning and hygiene. The pantry is equipped with running water, soap and paper towel dispenser as well as a simple coffee machine. A microwave is available for heating meals on the go. Illuminated handrails allow you to stand safely while travelling.
Seating Area
The three seating groups, each with four seats and a spacious table, serve as regular seats during the day. Each seat has a three-point seat belt and an armrest as well as an individual reading light and air conditioning.
During night journeys, the seats are available to passengers on the upper floor and can be used at any time for eating, working or socialising with other passengers.
Upper Deck
The passenger compartment on the upper deck impresses with its mainly light-coloured materials, giving it a cosy feel.
In addition to the side windows, a partially glazed roof ensures that the interior is flooded with light and at the same time makes the limited ceiling height appear higher.
Generous luggage racks offer sufficient space for hand luggage or passengers' jackets.
A handrail running from front to back next to the luggage rack also ensures a secure hold outside the seat during the journey.
Seat
The seat on the upper deck of the bus is an essential part of the concept. It can be transformed, allowing two seats to be converted into a comfortable sleeping berth at night.
GDG Exhibition Hamburg
I was honored by the German Design Council to be one of 53 design graduates to present my bachelor thesis at the German Design Graduates Exhibition 2023 at the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe in Hamburg.
