S21 – Gridshells

The Stuttgart 21 railway project requires a large number of structural changes in the state capital Stuttgart. These include the construction of a new eight-track through station. This new underground station consists of an approx. 447 m long and 80 m wide hall. The roof construction of this hall is a shell structure made of reinforced concrete, which is supported by chalice supports. These columns provide a support for the adjoining flat ceiling sections.

Natural Lighting and Ventilation of the New Stuttgart Railway Station

The chalice supports are open at the top and are covered by filigree steel and glass constructions, the so-called gridshells. Ventilation flaps in the transition areas between these “light eyes” and the reinforced concrete construction allow natural ventilation and – through the exchange of air with the tunnel tubes – natural air conditioning. Several gridshells (among others at the Bonatzbau and at the entrance to the Staatsgalerie station) also serve as roofing for the respective entrance areas to the platform hall.