Since its inauguration in 1969, the Preston Bus Station has served as a pivotal point for city center transportation. However, over time, its infrastructure has suffered neglect, leading to the imminent threat of demolition.

Our proposal, named the 'Floating Carpet,' aims to rejuvenate the structure and introduce new public programs. Positioned strategically on the western apron and within the station's concourse, this initiative seeks to elevate the experience of both arrival and departure for bus travelers. Beyond this, it becomes an integral component, forming a continuous network of renewed public space. This network aims to seamlessly connect the Preston Bus Station to the City Centre, offering a range of experiences that celebrate shared communal ground.

The design features a sloped plaza and a new commercial zone beneath the Carpet, activating the street as a vibrant market boulevard. Flowing lines within the soft and hard landscape signify the demarcation of previous gates, animating both flat and sloped surfaces of the Floating Carpet. It is envisioned as the city's ceremonial platform, adaptable for formal and informal public events.

The Floating Carpet resists easy classification, encompassing roles as an urban park, an iconic bus station, a civic square, a haven for office workers and residents, a playground for youth, and a dynamic space supporting commercial opportunities like cafes and markets. With its wide-open spaces, the design fosters a flexible and sustainable public realm, embodying forward-thinking urban planning. By seamlessly integrating the new Preston Bus Station with an urban park, the Floating Carpet embodies an open, celebratory, and diverse environment, poised to serve as a catalyst for positive change.

Title: Preston Bus Station – Floating Carpet
Location: Preston, England
Use: Bus Station, Youth Centre
Number of Stories: 6
Structure: Reinforced Concrete
Competition Period: 2015