The design concept for the new public transport interchange involved creating a light, floating sculpture. The 1,800-square-metre ALUCOBOND®roof constitutes the most eye-catching design feature at the modernised bus station. A central pedestrian bridge connects the new bus station in Hamburg Poppenbüttel with the rapid transit rail link and the park+ride car park.
Lightness and transparency
The striking three-dimensional ALUCOBOND® cladding is instantly recognisable and has transformed the waiting area into an architectural landmark in the town centre. The Hamburg Architecture and Engineering Association (AIV) awarded the project the title “Building of the Year 2009”. The jury particularly impressed by the lightness and transparency of the new construction.
The construction of the Hamburg Poppenbüttel station connects the bus stations to the train station and the P+R parking garage through a central pedestrian bridge. It is a first component of the restructured and expanded transportation junction Poppenbüttel.
The design concept called for an ensemble of buildings with a floating wing and a transparent roof. A guiding principle was the idea of building a sculpture in the air. The hovering wing-shaped roof, with its 1800 m²-surface area, is the striking design element in the modernised bus station, and its light almost floating appearance makes a major impact.
Roof membrane
The sail itself is supported by steel supports. ALUCOBOND® cladding, bent along two axes, merges seamlessly with the membrane surface.
Premises belonging to the Hamburg Elevated Railway are located under the mixture of wing and membrane roof as are toilet facilities, shops, break rooms for the drivers and waiting areas for the passengers.
Eight bus bays are located around the island allowing buses to access them independently. The limited capacity of the old bus station, built-in 1973, was the crucial factor in prompting the modernisation.
20 000 passengers pass through Poppenbüttel a day; nowadays that figure has tripled.
Public transport and urban planning
The bus transfer station has been transformed from a sheltered waiting area in the centre of Poppenbüttel into a flagship of public transportation and urban planning.
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Architects: Blunck+MorgenArchitekten
Project Team: WTM Engineers Hamburg, Martin Tamke
Fabricator: BVG Blechverformungsges. mbH, Schwarzenbek, Germany – Brinkmann, Lemgo Brake
Construction: Tray Panels
Cost: € 4 Milion
Year: 2009
Client: Hamburger Hochbahn AG
