dietmar feichtinger unites ostend railway station with giant roof canopy

dietmar feichtinger architectes has completed the renovation and revitalization of a major railway station in ostend, a city on the belgian coast. over recent decades, with more and more passengers using the terminus on a daily basis, an increased number of buildings and parking lots were constructed. however, this led to a confusing mix of facilities that were difficult to navigate. in order to unify the site — and its train, tram, bus, and even boat connections — local authorities launched a competition that called for proposals to overhaul the station.

image by david boureau (also main image)

the centerpiece of the design by dietmar feichtinger architectes is a giant roof that is both light and transparent. the role of the canopy is not just to shelter, but also to unite the site and ensure that travelers are able to intuitively navigate their way through the station. all functions are naturally integrated under the roof, with the stairs, elevators, and a footbridge suspended from it. signage and billboards are also integrated within the roof, freeing floor space for circulation.

image by david boureau

the canopy comprises polycarbonate panels, which have been placed on the supporting steel structure as ‘colorful scales’. ‘there are many variations of light under the roof, depending on the exterior brightness and the color scheme,’ explain the architects. ‘this specificity contributes to the identity of the place. the coloring of the polycarbonate also provides sun protection and avoids direct glare.’

image by david boureau

all interior spaces are naturally lit, with the structure offering unobstructed views of the adjacent marina. meanwhile, bicycle parking has been placed underground with a series of round atriums overlooking the space between the platforms and the station building. elsewhere, the new tram station has been moved closer to the railway station, while a multi-storey car park has been built parallel to the train platforms. see other projects by dietmar feichtinger architectes on designboom here.

image by david boureau

image by david boureau

image by david boureau

image by david boureau

image by david boureau

image by david boureau

image by david boureau

image by david boureau

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project info:

name: oostende station
location: oostende, belgium
clients: NMBS-holding, de lijn
architect: arch. di dietmar feichtinger, dietmar feichtinger architectes
competition team: claire bodénez, michael felder, david gregori y ribes, iwona borkowska, dorit böhme, marcus himmel, annalena jost, silviu aldea (perspectivist/3D)
planning team: gerhard pfeiler, robert grimm
structural consultant: technum, concours

total surface parking: 20,320 sqm
parking: 640 cars, 19,140 sqm
parking: 110 motorbikes
parking: 771 bicycle, 1162 sqm
shop area: 1 590 sqm
offices: 100 sqm for the station
roof covering: 22,000 sqm
parking bus and tramway: 17,000 sqm

competition: september 2006
start of planning: march 2007
start of construction: may 2010
full completion: 2019
building costs: €37,300,000 HT