Lingen Railway Station

The old railway station in Lingen has been losing its importance for years. It was followed by the gradual degradation of the building itself. Its interior, after many reconstructions and adaptations, became chaotic and claustrophobic.

Program. The historic railway station is too big for rail traffic. However, it provides potential for finding new public functions that will allow integration of two parts of the town on opposite sides of the tracks. The new functions of the station building, such as a kiosk, a café, a restaurant, a media library, serve not only passenger traffic, but also  students and residents of neighbouring districts. Also the quality of passengers’ service is  improved: new ticket offices, waiting rooms, toilets are provided.

“A building within a building”. The ceilings, secondary divisions and other additions are demolished. The space inside becomes open, spacious and attractive. The old masonry walls are cleaned of plaster. Inside, a “building in the building” is created. Such an internal division into heated (closed) and unheated (open) spaces, allows to optimize costs of maintanance.

Station square is now a dysfunctional place bereft of character. There is a lack of  space for bicycles, benches, trees and gastronomy. The station building is not connected to the new bus station. Therefore, the new station square gathers pedestrian routes in front of the  building: an underground passage, a street leading to the Market Square, as well as an access to the bus station. Functional zones of the square harmonize with the internal functions of the building. The south side of the square serves travelers; mediatheque allows passangers to wait reading the press. The square’s central sprace leads to the main entrance, the hall and to the platforms. At the building’s north wing, ther’s a cafe, restaurant and bicycle parking. The “umbrellas” provide roofing for benches and tables as well as places for parked bicycles.