London's iconic bus makes a comeback

[Wispusebreell]

London (CNN) -- The Routemaster bus first appeared on London's streets in the 1950s and quickly became one of the city's most recognizable icons.

Now, six years after it was phased out, English artist and designer Thomas Heatherwick is taking inspiration from the famous Routemaster to re-define the look of London buses.

With an international reputation for inventive and playful work, his approach blends sculpture with engineering.

In 2010, the Heatherwick Studio created a dramatic Seed Cathedral -- a mass of acrylic rods with plant seeds on every tip -- for the UK Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo.

Turning the most commonplace public transport into a work of art proved to be an equally challenging feat. But in collaboration with vehicle manufacturer the Wright Group, the double-decker bus with a difference is becoming a reality.

Improving the passenger experience was a critical consideration in the design process.

Take the lighting, for example: Current buses tend to be lit with fluorescent tubes which isn't the most flattering light, says Heatherwick.

More ( Cheap Social Bookmarking Services ).