Vienna Central Station | Theo Hotz

The new Vienna Main Station project, on an area covering 109 hectares, has become a multi-modal transport hub within the trans- European railway system. The project is not limited to the station building alone; it has set about redeveloping a whole urban district. The spatial planning of the bordering areas ensures homogeneity. Generously-dimensioned forecourts, urban accents and the interaction between the individual areas emphasise the significance of the district in the overall urban picture. The major importance of the project is mirrored by its architecture: the momentous, partially translucent roof structure stretching over the five island platforms with ten tracks is the highlight. It welcomes arriving visitors from all over the world, by giving them a breath-taking first impression of Vienna. The folded, diamond-shaped roof, which floats over the platforms, comprises fourteen 76-metres long, eye-catching diamond structures, supported by immense transverse frames, positioned every 38 metres. The roof opens up in the centre to reveal a 6-metre x 30-metre skylight in the form of a crystal. The roof is translucent thanks to integrated glazed elements, which let optimal natural lighting flow in during daylight hours and create interesting light effects by night. ALUCOBOND® in Sunrise Silver Metallic creates a harmonious image on the underside of the roof. The new station building’s outstanding architecture also complies with all technical and organisational requirements. The client (Austrian National Railways/ÖBB) put particular focus on functionality and economy. Clear signage, bright and airy halls and easily maintained materials are distinguishing features of this modern station design. The key tenet is to create sustainable and environmentally conscious buildings. Accessibility is of utmost importance. The design of the total chain of mobility from the station forecourt, through the station concourse and onto the platform is optimal, keeping travellers, especially those with impaired mobility, in mind. The planners of the station building set great store by environmental issues and sustainability, prioritising the use of sustainable materials and achieving high levels of energy efficiency: geothermal energy, cooling and heating from a district network as well as an integrated ventilation system. Vienna Main Station stands as an exemplary energy-efficient, environmental-friendly and resource efficient project. Architects: Theo Hotz, Zurich | Atelier Ernst Hoffmann, Vienna | Atelier Albert Wimmer, Vienna Owner: ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG General Contractor: Unger Steel Group Fabricator / Installer: ICC Fassadentechnik Construction: Riveted Year of Construction: 2011 - ongoing Product: ALUCOBOND® metallic colours Sunrise Silver Metallic + Smoke Silver Metallic Photos: Roman Bönsch, Renée Del Missier