Bahnhof Südkreuz, Berlin

Südkreuz Station, Berlin

Station buildings reflect the architecture of the time. Imposing station halls with great span widths were built at the end of the 19th century - filigree iron constructions, characterized by lightness and transparency which clearly reflected the "railway" innovation.
Station architecture of the 21st century - impressive constructions made of steel and glass - also symbolize advancement, speed and mobility. The functional requirements of these buildings, however, have definitely changed. While their sole purpose in earlier times was to connect and distribute traffic lines, and to manage the flow of travellers, they are today a place to linger and a communication point. For this reason, they are increasingly the focus of urban development.
Since its reconstruction, Südkreuz Station in Berlin, formerly Papestrasse S-Bahn station, has absorbed the north/ south flow of traffic and is the hub for regional trains, long-distance trains and the S-Bahn urban lines. It comprises the two buildings »Ringbahnsteig« and »Ringbahnhalle« that cross at an obtuse angle. The building is characterized by functionality and technology. Their transparency provides travellers with a good orientation and overview. The main entrances are in the east and west leading into a 14 metre high entrance hall of great spaciousness and breadth.The platforms are accessed from here. The 183 metre long Ringbahnsteig is located on the entrance level, the 190 metre long steel/glass construction of the Ringbahnhalle extends over it. Wide stairways open the view upwards to the boxed roof structure which rests on V-shaped supports. The hall is defined by the clear structure of the supporting construction with different ceiling heights. The transparent design of the façade creates a pleasant, friendly atmosphere on the platforms. Additional daylight enters through bands of skylights near the transverse trusses.

Builder-owner: Deutsche Bahn AG, Berlin
Architects: Station and tracks: JSK, Berlin
Outside facilities: Topotek, Berlin
  Außenanlagen: Topotek, Berlin
Light planning: Edgar und Ruth Schlaefle, Berlin
Electrical planning: Ingenieurbüro Kaczmarek, Berlin
Electrical installation: Elektro Vieweg KG, Chemnitz


Information Brochure 1 - 2008