Station and Traffic Hub
Oostende |
Belgium –
2018
Client
Nmbs-Holding et De Lijn
Start of construction
02 | 2014
Size
22 000 m²
Construction budget
37.3 M€
Competition winner
2006
Completion
06 | 2018
ECCS Steel Award 2021
More than a century has passed since King Leopold II bestowed his vision upon the Oostende train station, that befits the title of the “Queen of Coastal Cities.” Just as the city itself has expanded, this station has flourished into a bustling transport hub where each day, a multitude of passengers embarks upon trains, trams, buses, ferries, and cruise ships.
Throughout the years, the influx of travelers has necessitated a complex infrastructure, resulting in a labyrinthine amalgamation of structures and parking spaces. This chaotic tapestry hindered further development. In response, the studio embarked on a venture to rejuvenate this unique coastal station, establishing it as a premier transportation hub.
In 2012, the ambitious “station aan zee” project was launched. The undertaking aimed the revival and revitalization of the station and its surroundings. The revitalization efforts included a range of transformations :
Redesigning parking and tram facilities.
Thoughtfully restoring the historic train station.
Introducing modern platforms.
Creating an expansive ‘Canopée’, covering platforms, tram/bus stations, and cycle parks.
Simplifying waterfront structures to facilitate pedestrian movement.
Relocating the tram depot to a former harbor zone.
Enhancing the station plaza’s aesthetics.
In 2019, the former tram stop made way for bicycle parking spaces at Level -1, bathed in natural light and ventilation made possible by elegant circular atria. The open expanse under the grand roof established a visual link between the platforms and the station’s storied edifice. The tram station was strategically shifted closer to the main train station, complemented by a neighboring multi-tier car park.
The ‘Canopée’, stands as a tribute to the fusion of functionality and beauty. This transparent roof, encompassing stairways, lifts, and signboards, offers unobstructed vistas from the station building to the platforms. Constructed using polycarbonate panels on a steel framework, it diffuses light, minimizing glare and UV exposure, while mirroring the hues of the sky.
The graceful pillars of the structure converge to form robust beams, delivering a stable base while accounting for thermal expansion. Cross beams seamlessly accommodate the polycarbonate sheets, enhancing the design’s stability and fluidity.
Adjacent to the platforms stands a newly erected edifice, housing a car park and SNCB offices. With space for 670 vehicles, this building presents a shielding facade to the city. Its mesh pattern ensures natural ventilation and provides protection against intense sunlight.
The new Oostende train station seamlessly marries history with progress, affirming the city’s commitment to advancement while cherishing its heritage.
Lead Architect: Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes
Structural Consultants: Technum, Eurostation
Recycled materials
More than a century has passed since King Leopold II bestowed his vision upon the Oostende train station, that befits the title of the “Queen of Coastal Cities.” Just as the city itself has expanded, this station has flourished into a bustling transport hub where each day, a multitude of passengers embarks upon trains, trams, buses, ferries, and cruise ships.
Throughout the years, the influx of travelers has necessitated a complex infrastructure, resulting in a labyrinthine amalgamation of structures and parking spaces. This chaotic tapestry hindered further development. In response, the studio embarked on a venture to rejuvenate this unique coastal station, establishing it as a premier transportation hub.
In 2012, the ambitious “station aan zee” project was launched. The undertaking aimed the revival and revitalization of the station and its surroundings. The revitalization efforts included a range of transformations :
Redesigning parking and tram facilities.
Thoughtfully restoring the historic train station.
Introducing modern platforms.
Creating an expansive ‘Canopée’, covering platforms, tram/bus stations, and cycle parks.
Simplifying waterfront structures to facilitate pedestrian movement.
Relocating the tram depot to a former harbor zone.
Enhancing the station plaza’s aesthetics.
In 2019, the former tram stop made way for bicycle parking spaces at Level -1, bathed in natural light and ventilation made possible by elegant circular atria. The open expanse under the grand roof established a visual link between the platforms and the station’s storied edifice. The tram station was strategically shifted closer to the main train station, complemented by a neighboring multi-tier car park.
The ‘Canopée’, stands as a tribute to the fusion of functionality and beauty. This transparent roof, encompassing stairways, lifts, and signboards, offers unobstructed vistas from the station building to the platforms. Constructed using polycarbonate panels on a steel framework, it diffuses light, minimizing glare and UV exposure, while mirroring the hues of the sky.
The graceful pillars of the structure converge to form robust beams, delivering a stable base while accounting for thermal expansion. Cross beams seamlessly accommodate the polycarbonate sheets, enhancing the design’s stability and fluidity.
Adjacent to the platforms stands a newly erected edifice, housing a car park and SNCB offices. With space for 670 vehicles, this building presents a shielding facade to the city. Its mesh pattern ensures natural ventilation and provides protection against intense sunlight.
The new Oostende train station seamlessly marries history with progress, affirming the city’s commitment to advancement while cherishing its heritage.
Lead Architect: Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes
Structural Consultants: Technum, Eurostation
Recycled materials
