Competition Light Rail Depot Stuttgart
Design: BFK Architekten in collaboration with .atelier coa
Urban Design
The urban design concept for the new light rail depot in Weilimdorf is guided by the idea of a “landscape structure.” The specified layout—particularly the tracks and the position of the workshop building with its storage hall—remains unchanged.
To minimize both the amount of sealed surface and the number of building levels in this sensitive natural setting, the design proposes a compact and economically efficient light rail depot. It combines a confident, defining architectural presence with a restrained and delicate appearance.
The new depot is set back from the B 295. A “green gateway”—a suitably designed and landscaped forecourt—marks the entrance to the city. Carefully planted trees create the desired urban edge and frame the road space.
Architecture
The projecting staff and social building, with its glazed base containing the vertical circulation, forms the gateway to the site. Once inside the depot, users can access the 70 covered parking spaces on the workshop building via a ramp.
The remaining 20 parking spaces are integrated beneath the ramp at ground-floor level and are also protected from the weather. From the parking deck, staff members enter the staff and social building via an integrated landscaped employees’ garden. The garden acts as a green filter, creating a natural separation between the parking area and the planned workspaces.
The parking deck, employees’ garden, and functions of the staff and social building are organized as a compact vertical extension of the workshop. The upper-floor rooms are accessed on foot via a transparently designed glazed staircase.
In addition to its circulation function, including a lift and staircase, the stairwell establishes the future address of the light rail depot. It creates both a reception area for potential future uses on the roof of the storage building and an identity-forming entrance for employees. This enables controlled access to the depot while maintaining short and efficient routes.
