Stuttgart 21 - Conversion

Stuttgart will be the first city to realize the enormous project of converting a historic terminus train station by relocating the tracks underground and returning the area now covered by railway lines to the city. The new train station, running laterally to its former direction, will be located 8 m below the existing level. The concourse is redesigned and transformed into a huge arched hall, corresponding to the stone arches of the old Bonatz building. A wide-span arch construction rests on cruciform steel columns, into which glass panels in compression are inserted.

Together, the old and new station forms the focus of the city centre. If all tracks in Stuttgart are relocated an area of 100 ha will be reclaimed, that will be developed via a 2.2 km long axis between the new train station and Rosensteinpark. This consists of a 70 m wide, intensely landscaped "Avenue 21". Close to the station a new attractive shopping zone is proposed. Landscaped areas, cafés and restaurants introduce an urban quality. Stretching northwards, housing projects will dominate future developments (80%). The unique building site along the main street axis is framed with ware houses, cinemas, a media centre, and offices.