Slough Bus Station

Design: Bblur Architecture

Location UK

Photo: Hufton + Crow

You've got to feel a bit sorry for Slough: the Berkshire town was the eponymous subject of derision in a famous poem by John Betjeman and, more recently, was chosen as the location of the fictional paper company in the original version of TV sitcom The Office; but to all its detractors, Slough can at least boast of having one of the world's best-designed bus stations.

Photo: Matt Clayton

As a tribute to local astronomer William Herschel, who discovered infrared waves in 1800, London architects Bblur created an undulating building to represent light's different wavelengths.

Photo: Matt Clayton

A 130 metre glistening aluminium canopy flows down at one end to enfold a shimmering two-storey structure that envelops a ticket office, driver facilities, newsagent, cafe, waiting room and toilets.

Photo: Hufton + Crow

The curved construction also offers sanctuary to pedestrians walking between the town centre and railway station. The aluminium-shingled building's smooth metallic look changes continuously in accordance to the varying light conditions.