The Jungfernstieg station was opened in 1934 as the first underwater station in Germany after technically complex construction and was also one of the first public buildings in the country to have an escalator. The U1 line connected the stations Kellinghusenstraße and Jungfernstieg, the connection to the ring line, today's U3, was only created in 1958 via an underground connection to the Rathaus station. Jungfernstieg station, which belongs to Hamburger Hochbahn, is currently one of the most important public transport hubs in the city and is used by over 100,000 passengers every day. The underground station complex now comprises four platforms on three levels for the U1, U2, U4 and the S1, S2 and S3 S-Bahn lines.

As part of the "Barrier-free extension" project funded by the Senate, WRS Architekten und Stadtplaner BDA were commissioned to implement barrier-free access and modernize the U1 platform at the same time. The design concept envisages "liberating" the platform from too many installations, thus creating more space and tranquillity. A delicate and unobtrusive glass construction at street level on Jungfernstieg marks the entrance to the elevator, which takes passengers to ticket hall C and the platform. The partially elevated platform there ensures level and therefore barrier-free boarding and alighting from the subway, while the tactile guidance system also guides visually impaired and blind people safely to their destination.

Where the platform was previously dominated by trendy orange tiles typical of the 1970s, the design is now minimalist and bright: unlaminated materials, clear shapes and high contrasts. The use of mirrored surfaces, clear glass and black walls means that the architecture recedes and almost dissolves visually. A clever move, as the station was low and narrow when it was built, and the current platform elevation means that a further 20 cm of height has been lost. The matt black walls visually delimit the spatial perception, the strong light-dark contrast widens the view. The ceiling made of corrugated, polished stainless steel panels visually lifts the space, making it appear larger. It also guides passengers imperceptibly through the maze of levels to the U1 platform and evokes associations with the glistening surface of the Alster lake above. The design plays with seemingly dissolving or alienating spatial boundaries - and becomes a recognizable feature of the Jungfernstieg U1 stop.

www.wirsind.net

Photos:

Juergen-Schmidt-Fotografie.de
www.juergen-schmidt-fotografie.de

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 01|22)