A PLEASING CONTRAST OF MIDNIGHT BLUE AND SILVERY GLEAM

When completed, the new north–south suburban railway line in Cologne will have eight stops. While the last stretch of the line is scheduled to come into operation in 2016, Rathaus station has already proven itself fit for everyday operation. Located directly beneath the historic market, Rathaus underground station provides quick and convenient access to the centre of Cologne’s historic Altstadt (old town) district, which was previously only accessible by bus.

The station, covering almost 3,000 m², lies 16 metres below ground. Its design is characterised by a fresh contrast of midnight blue and silver. A large proportion of the wall area is velvety-smooth blue, while the ceilings and certain sections of the walls are a shiny silver. The walls and ceilings are clad in hot-dip galvanised and powdercoated steel sheet modules, which are perforated in the ceiling area so that they also absorb sound.

Above the entrances, main traffic areas and footpaths throughout the station, WE-EF DOC240 recessed exterior downlights ensure excellent visibility and safety as well as aid orientation. The luminaires had to be integrated into various building situations – either installed in circular sections of the expanded metal ceilings or combined with an installation tube and mounted directly on the concrete ceilings. The DOC240 downlights in the underground station have proven to be versatile, not just in terms of the installation and mounting options, but also in relation to lighting techniques.

While the stairways and escalators are illuminated from a relatively high position, the height between floors in the main traffic areas is rather low. With different light sources in varying wattages – in this case HIT and CFL lamps, and two symmetric light distributions [M] medium and [EE] very narrow beam – the WE-EF luminaires provide exactly the right amount of light for the unique spaces.

All DOC240 downlights used in this project are fitted with vibration protection in order to extend their service life. Luminaires mounted at especially high installation positions are equipped with a device to lower the luminaire to facilitate ease of maintenance.

Architects: Design planning: Joachim Schürmann + Partner, Cologne, www.j-schuermannarchitekten.de
Implementation planning: Obermeyer Planen + Beraten GmbH, Munich, www.opb.de
Lighting design: Lichtdesign Ingenieurgesellschaft m.b.H., Prof. Heinrich Kramer, Cologne
Photos: WE-EF – Frieder Blickle