Since 2006, Chemnitz has no longer been connected to the long-distance rail network. The city recognized this change as an opportunity and developed the "Chemnitz Model" to better link the region with the city. The redesign of the main train station created an important transportation hub that gained new importance as an entrée to the city. The station concourse from the 1970s was stripped back to its supporting structure and opened up generously in the lower area.
Around 100 pneumatic cushion elements made of translucent ETFE membrane are attached to the outer façade of the hall, which now spans the platforms like a "city canopy". The cushion membrane was made by a Japanese manufacturer and is so smooth that the surface is largely self-cleaning due to precipitation. The matte surface of the cushion's interior, which is partially printed on the back, provides an opaque appearance with a depth effect during the day. At night, the media façade shines far into the urban space and marks the station as a place of movement and encounter. Inside, the facade is clad with textile. The non-combustible fiberglass fabric with a silver Teflon coating is stretched on metal frames. Daylight can penetrate deep into the hall through the transparent textile shell. As a contrast, the closed underside of the façade with diamond-shaped, black polished stainless steel sheets creates a small-scale texture. The reflective sheet metal reflects the newly created recreation area with trees and green seating platforms.
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