ZOB Pforzheim

Urban Landmark and Hub for Modern Mobility

German Steel Construction Award 2016, State Award for Building Culture Baden-Württemberg 2016, Balthasar Neumann Prize 2016, Gold Award German Designer Club 2016, Iconic Award 2016 – the list of architecture and design awards for the Central Bus Station in Pforzheim is impressive and is likely not yet complete. As part of an infrastructure development project to improve traffic conditions, the new bus station makes a valuable contribution to the cultural enhancement of the entire area around the Pforzheim Central Station. Complementing the historic station building, an elegant structure by Helmuth Conradi from 1957-58, the new transportation facility designed by Metaraum Architects transforms the previously unattractive space to the east of the station.

Above the 29 departure positions for city and regional bus traffic, a high, curved, three-part roof floats. The white metal-clad roof structure consists of a steel frame with slender supports and truss beams. The joint patterns of the underside cladding subtly evoke the curves and loops of the buses entering and exiting. Round roof openings structure the underside, allowing light and sun to enter. The resulting play of shadows creates striking contrasts and adds dynamism to the space. The placement of the openings exclusively above the driving lanes ensures that pedestrians do not get wet in rainy weather. To the south, the roof's overhanging geometry provides protection, while to the north, the roof's slope at street level shields against oblique rain.

At dusk and at night, the new Central Bus Station (ZOB) unfolds its special effect. The meticulously designed lighting system accentuates the delicate elegance of the roof structure and makes the ceiling shine. At the same time, it creates a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere in which waiting passengers can feel comfortable and safe. Three lighting systems with different light colors and radiation characteristics are used: For the illumination of the ceiling surfaces, specially installed WE-EF LED luminaires in 4000 K light color, based on the VFL500 series, are mounted on the supports. The direct lighting of the bus platforms and traffic areas is provided by DOC240-GB ceiling-mounted luminaires with warm white light. Thanks to the gimbal suspension, the light heads can be precisely aimed and fixed on the area to be illuminated. Last, but not least, the roof edges are accentuated with orange-colored light strips.

Credits

Project: Central Bus Station of the City of Pforzheim Client: City of Pforzheim Architects: Metaraum Architekten, Stuttgart Structural Engineering: Engelsmann Peters Consulting Engineers, Stuttgart Lighting Design: Day & Light Lighting Design, Munich Photos: Zooey Braun, Stuttgart