BRUNO LÄSSER FOTOGRAF

Zastavka Project

Urban architecture from Slovakia

"Zastavka" means "Bus Stop" in Slovak language. Like many other countries in the former Communist block, Slovakia is still covered with an extensive public bus network, including many bus stops. No wonder - since individual traffic, including possessing an private car was anything than common. Bus stops in Slovakia are built and maintained by local authorities, thus explaining their variety in shape and colour. Many of these bus stops represent stunning esthetic landmarks, featuring anything from clever design, weird creations to melancholic beauty.

Nowadays, Slovakia is one of the fastest growing economies amongst the EU newcomers from Central and Eastern Europe. In these times of ongoing economic and political change, many of these old "Zastavkas" disappear as a symbol of an obsolete political regime, being replaced by supposedly more care-free and modern models from the West.