Jungfernstieg subway station U1
The task of redesigning the U1 station to be fully accessible while giving it a new architectural identity was defined by the extremely constrained spatial conditions.
Very low ceilings led to the core idea of cladding them with mirrors, visually doubling the perceived height of the space. Their wave-like structure became a defining design element. The platform itself was kept bright to enhance the intended sense of openness. Information panels and furniture were reduced wherever possible to create a clearly structured platform.
In deliberate contrast, the ceiling above the tracks and the surrounding track walls were designed in black. While the platform is light, the tracks disappear into darkness and visual infinity.
Barrier-free access was achieved through the installation of a glass elevator connecting street level at Jungfernstieg with the ticket hall and the platform below. The minimally designed elevator head integrates discreetly into the cityscape. The station was Germany’s first underwater metro station and opened in 1934.
PROJECT INFO
Client: Hamburger Hochbahn AG
Planning: 2017–2020
Construction: 2020–2021
Photographer: Jürgen Schmidt, Köln
WRS Architekten & Stadtplaner GmbH is the author of the project. It was developed under the direction of Daniel Schöning, responsible architect and managing director at WRS, in work stages 1–4.
Overall scope: Work stages 1–9, work stage 8 executed by WRS Architekten & Stadtplaner in collaboration with Ebert Architektur.
www.u-bahnnetz-hamburg.de
Very low ceilings led to the core idea of cladding them with mirrors, visually doubling the perceived height of the space. Their wave-like structure became a defining design element. The platform itself was kept bright to enhance the intended sense of openness. Information panels and furniture were reduced wherever possible to create a clearly structured platform.
In deliberate contrast, the ceiling above the tracks and the surrounding track walls were designed in black. While the platform is light, the tracks disappear into darkness and visual infinity.
Barrier-free access was achieved through the installation of a glass elevator connecting street level at Jungfernstieg with the ticket hall and the platform below. The minimally designed elevator head integrates discreetly into the cityscape. The station was Germany’s first underwater metro station and opened in 1934.
PROJECT INFO
Client: Hamburger Hochbahn AG
Planning: 2017–2020
Construction: 2020–2021
Photographer: Jürgen Schmidt, Köln
WRS Architekten & Stadtplaner GmbH is the author of the project. It was developed under the direction of Daniel Schöning, responsible architect and managing director at WRS, in work stages 1–4.
Overall scope: Work stages 1–9, work stage 8 executed by WRS Architekten & Stadtplaner in collaboration with Ebert Architektur.
www.u-bahnnetz-hamburg.de