Case Study

Modernization of the Bus Station in Kielce

Localisation

Czarnowska Kielce Poland

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A building recognized as a regional icon and a postcard-worthy landmark on the Świętokrzyskie architectural map was modernized and brought back to urban life in 2020. The famous structure, reminiscent of a spaceship, now takes on a new social and cultural role through its revitalized function. The transparency of the sculptural form goes beyond its primary role of illuminating the interior—it showcases a wealth of modern technological solutions.

Since its inception, the PKS bus station in Kielce has impressed with its ergonomic design, operating as an “island” surrounded by buses that smoothly approach designated stands. During the modernization process, maintaining the building’s maximum transparency became a top priority, enabling travelers to have an unobstructed view of the platforms. Besides its primary transport function, the Kielce station now also serves social and cultural purposes.

As a result of the renovation work, the city regained a station hall that is naturally lit, accessible to people with disabilities, acoustically optimized, and equipped with a media library and an exhibition space. The bright interiors now feel more lightweight; thanks to interior glazing, they visually lose some of their physical bulk.

The installation of 640 controllable glass panels, each approximately 9 m² in size, provides users with comfort and safety, while also optimizing sustainable energy management within the building.

CHALLENGES

Taking into account the building's historic shape, it was necessary to ensure a comfortable indoor environment for travelers in both summer and winter. Another challenge was to enable clear visibility of the circularly arranged platforms from the originally poorly lit station hall.

IMPLEMENTED SOLUTIONS

Thanks to SageGlass® technology, it was possible to implement fully glazed exterior walls. Using external sensors, the building automatically adjusts the glass tint depending on sunlight intensity, providing users with the optimal amount of light and heat. This bus station is the first building in the world where electrochromic glass is point-mounted and arranged in a circular layout.

Glass solutions used:

  • SageGlass® electrochromic glass

  • VETROTECH® Contraflam Structure 30 fire-resistant glass