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Article from issue 11/2007 »Refurbishment«

Refurbishment and Renovation of Dresden's Central Station

documentation p. 1311 - 1316
Architect Foster and Partners | Structural Engineer Büro Happold | Schmitt Stumpf Frühauf & Partner |

Drafts
1:1000 Cross section
1:12500 Site plan
1:20 Horizontal section
1:20 Vertical section
1:2000 Floor plan
1:2000 Longitudinal Section
1:50 Vertical sections intake funnel

The concept for the refurbishment and renovation of Dresden’s train station called for respecting the existing structure, reinforcing the impact it makes, and introducing forward-looking elements to represent modern-day rail travel. Daylight now streams into the train shed through the 30,000 square metre translucent membrane roof of PTFE-coated, glass-fibre fabric. At night, artificial light reflects off the internal surfaces, and, at the same time, the roof emits a shimmering light. Ernst Giese and Paul Weidner designed the station in the late 19th century. The historic vestibule building is adjoined by a 60 metre wide central train shed (for trains which originate and terminate in Dresden), and two 32 metre wide lateral sheds with raised tracks (for trains which continue). During the post-war era, the sheds’ roofs were sheathed in wood boarding! All additions and interventions have been removed to make it possible to experience the building as originally intended. The existing iron structure was refurbished and reinforced: additional structural steel members were incorporated, so that in addition to the new membrane, the fine detailing of the historic steel structure is highlighted. The linear structural arch system was originally only intended to distribute the vertical roof loads. But due to the non-coplanar, pre-tensioned stresses on the membrane, considerable horizontal stresses arise: a geometric, secondary structural system was inserted as “adapter” for the membrane. The existing structure was subdivided into segments consisting of 2 or 3 arches, each linked to horizontal framing and stiffened. Above the arches the membrane is attached to the secondary structure’s cylindrical steel sections. Employed in pairs, they direct the membrane stresses, via steel-section struts, to the upper chord of the existing girder. Above the arches’ vertexes the distance varies between the cylindrical sections, allowing for lens-shaped skylights. The renovation and restructuring measures also included the vestibule building’s 34 metre high cupola. It was restored and updated: now an ETFE-film pillow is suspended beneath it.