Vordächer Bahnhofsplatz Ulm | SHA Scheffler Helbich Architekten

Ulm station square

Roof in front of the station and stop roofs

Ulm station and its surroundings are being redesigned to reflect their central role as a transportation hub for the region. As part of the overall “Ulm City Station” project, the city is planning to erect several new canopies in front of the main entrance to the station building and the streetcar stops in front of it.

The new roof with an eaves height of approx. 8 m, an edge length of approx. 28 x 27.5 m and a floor area of approx. 770 m² is intended on the one hand to ensure a rain-protected transition between the individual traffic functions and at the same time fulfill a foyer function for the station and the station square. In terms of urban planning, it marks a spatial focal point of the station square.

Station canopy

The roof structure consists of four round columns in an almost square arrangement, which support a filigree, geometric roof surface projecting on all sides, each consisting of 16 folded sections on the top and bottom. The distance between the upper and lower surfaces is greatest above the column axes at around 1.75 m, while the distance to the center and edge of the roof surface is reduced to zero. The clear height under the roof of at least 6.5 m increases towards the street due to the sloping station forecourt. The maximum height of the roof above the supports is on average around 8.65 m above ground level.

Stop roofs and stop equipment

Two elongated canopies span the main waiting areas in the front thirds of the platform.

These roofs are similar in design to the large roof in front of the station, but consist of six or seven square umbrellas arranged in a row with an edge length of approx. 6.20 m and an eaves height of approx. 3.50 m, spanning a total area of approx. 225 m² and 262 m².

In addition, individually designed equipment elements such as seating and display cabinets will be installed under the roofs and on the bus stop.

Both the supports and the metal surfaces on the top and bottom of the roof are clad with stainless steel sheets in a soft gold tone. These sheets are given a special finish and a nano-coating with a self-cleaning effect.

A division resulting from the geometry of the roof surfaces into individual triangular areas on the top and bottom emphasizes the geometric form and reveals further complexity to the onlooker. This effect is further enhanced by an additional line embossing on the underside sub-surfaces. The result is an image of several symmetrical, stacked canopies with a slender, filigree roof edge running around them at the same height.

The roof construction was designed by Hummert Architekten BDA (ARGE Hummert Hullak Rannow). SHA is a strong partner in the realization of the construction project. The new roofs support the new concept of the forecourt and make it appear not only as a coherent urban space with a high quality of stay, but also as a striking landmark with recognition value.