PAWEŁ MAGIERA

ON THE EDGE OF THE ROAD

Bus stops are an integral part of every urban area. They’re so common that we hardly even notice them. The goal of this project is to change how we think of them – not just as places to catch the bus, but as small pieces of design that add character to our towns and cities.

During the summer of 2024, I drove a lot, exploring local streets, hidden corners, and forgotten roads to document the unique designs and unexpected aesthetics of these everyday structures. Some are simple and practical, while others can be surprisingly creative. Each stop has its own character and tells a story about the place it belongs to.

As I photographed these stops, I realized that they can serve not only as shelters from the sun and rain, but also as places to post announcements, spots where people meet, or even act as a canvas for street art.

I also noticed how much they have evolved over time. In the past, they were often vibrant and made from concrete with unique designs. Today, such constructions are becoming increasingly rare. Rather than being restored, they are slowly disappearing, replaced by generic forms made of metal and plexiglass, losing their individuality and charm.

Inspired by Christopher Herwig’s Soviet Bus Stops, this project features some of the most interesting and eye-catching bus stops I found, both in my local area and beyond.