3D Printing in Everyday Life: A Futuristic Bus Shelter

The year 2025 is turning out to be a “year of wild ideas” in architecture. First, we saw a 3D-printed Starbucks café, then a 3D-printed train station—and now even the humble bus shelter has gotten a futuristic 3D-printed makeover!

This new type of shelter was created in Slovakia by COLLARCH, in collaboration with the architecture studio Architekti Šebo Lichy and ICE Industrial Services. Named “Lipského,” the shelter has an eye-catching oval form with visible layered textures that look like natural rock formations. It feels both high-tech and artistic at the same time.

Compared with a regular bus stop, this “next-gen” version is much smarter and more user-friendly:

Smarter structure: Designed with parametric modeling, it has smooth, organic curves that blend into the surrounding streetscape.

Climate-ready: A slight westward orientation blocks harsh afternoon sun and wind, while a discreet southeast opening keeps air flowing and ensures visibility for safety.

Clever roof design: Made of glass and steel, it feels light and modern. Stopsol reflective glass reduces heat while letting in natural daylight.

Cozy interior:Built-in lighting makes it safe and welcoming at night, and the benches—3D-printed with larch wood—are both sturdy and warm in feel.

In short, it’s more than just a place to wait for the bus. It’s a small public space where technology, art, and everyday life meet.

With innovations like this, it won’t be surprising if we soon see 3D-printed libraries, park pavilions, or even benches right outside our homes.

Will future cities really look like they’ve been “printed out”?