In 2012, Union Station became the new central location for intercity bus travel in the nation's capital. The new bus transit center is located in the parking garage, removed from the facilities and amenities of the majestic Beaux Arts masterpiece next door. Studio Twenty Seven Architecture was asked to design a solution that would provide amenities to the bus traveler without requiring them to leave the bus deck. Using the metaphor of a Zen rock garden, the new bus transit center is comprised of three pavilions. One of the pavilions serves as "rocks" in the field. This is formed from two natural, ovoid shapes, merged together to create a complex geometry. This pavilion contains ticketing and shopping. Another pavilion is the rock garden's "pochi," or meditation porch, over-looking the neighboring arrangement. This pavilion serves as a waiting space, with a wood and glass enclosure. The last pavilion contains restrooms. Recycled shipping containers serve as the armature for a discreet comfort station.
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