Ampara Central Bus Terminal
Location- Ampara, Sri Lanka
Built Area- 1250sqm
Category- Public Buildings
Client- Ampara Urban Council
Mikaso was commissioned to design and manage the construction of the bus terminal as a transformational hub to facilitate the emerging demand of people of sub region. The project was a catalyst for the community to emerge from the impeded development and revived as the first impression of the developing city.
The design was mainly focused on generating a unique environment for the commuters with modern facilities and technology reducing the impact of the project in its environment making it economic and ecological.
This simple functional space was designed as elevated four cubes on steel frame that allows free flow at the ground floor for the commuters for boarding and interchange
Considering the free movement of the busses in and out circulation of the busses is planned without clashing with the pedestrian movement and safety at the ground floor level. At the ground level 18 nos of 50-seater busses can be parked without any obstruction for vehicle movement and a separate area is designed for overflow parking and waiting. A large atrium is created at the centre of the building that allows ample space for the waiting area for commuters. The centre point of the atrium is designed with a cubelike structure that accommodates the control room and have the LED panels for displaying the travel plan for the day. This can be viewed from any point at the terminal at ground floor level.
A space for a police post is included at the same level for safety. The boarding area for each bus is designed with a connecting ramp from ground level considering easy access for the differently abled. Two wide staircases on either side are provided and a passenger lift to facilitate the differently abled to the upper floor. Upper floors consist of several rentable shop areas and food outlets that generate an income for the local municipality. All the functions at the upper level relate to a walking path around the void providing visual connection with the waiting area below.
