The main structure of this light-flooded platform hall consists of six 145-cm deep hollow box-shaped profiles. They run along the platforms and are connected in a frame-like way to tremendous Y-shaped steel columns. With only few column bases on the platforms, the form of the columns creates many support points for the main girders and thus reduces their free span lengths. At the same time, the frames can carry horizontal loads along the longitudinal direction of the hall.
The same formal principle also subtly strengthens the transverse reinforcement. In order for the access to the individual rail platforms to remain unimpeded by columns, the columns near the stairs and escalators bifurcate at their bottoms as well, though this spread is rotated 90° from the other. The clever design of such pillars can contribute to the stiffening of the structure in both directions. Closely spaced slender secondary beams of glued laminated timber, 14 cm wide and 130 cm high, support the hall’s glass roof, the surface of which is gently folded for drainage and equipped with printed sun protection and photovoltaic elements. The folded roof construction with its gently inclined bands of double-layered laminated safety glass transitions directly into the north facade. This provides travellers on the platforms with a visual reference to the adjacent neighbourhood.
An extensive shopping passage on the ground floor offers access to the platforms above and connects the city districts on the south and north sides of the railway station.
