Berlin Central Station

As the largest railway intersection in Europe, Berlin Central Station represents the final element of the redesigned railway network of the German capital. The system, which had previously been a decentralized one, was adapted to the transport conditions of the 21st century.

The key design principle is the architectural and urban symbol of the crossover of the north-south intercity railway tunnel and the viaduct of the city railway. Two parallel buildings in north-south orientation flank the underground track areas and over-sail the platform building, with which they create the shape of a cross.

The railway station cross rests on a building plinth that can be accessed via steps from all four sides. The loadbearing steel structure of the 46-meter-high building slabs is exposed in front of the facade. The over 300-meter-long platform building running from east to west and the entrance hall between the flanking buildings are covered by a delicate glass roof structure. The roof of the platform building has the form of a curved shell construction and follows the curved layout of the tracks. Parts of the roof are fitted with photovoltaic modules.

Berlin Central Station is not only an important transport hub but, thanks to its mixed use, is a vivacious building complex that has become the urban core at the center of the capital and, at the same time, forms an urban design link with the government quarter located to the south of the bend of the River Spree.