They are an integral part of urban local and long-distance traffic, and yet they are not held in high regard. Railroad bridges, whose underpasses evoke fear and a lack of safety among passersby, stand there as "filthy places" and paint a very unique picture of the urban jungle. Whereas they are supposed to connect city districts, one experiences separation and neglect. Increasing neglect leads to further destruction, as positive identification can no longer take place.
Around the Mainstation in Düsseldorf are many railroad underpasses in a bad condition. Through an exemplary, artistic intervention, a concept has emerged that transforms the functional space into a new recreational area. The underpasses are similar in their construction, so that the designconcept can also be transferred to other railroad underpasses.
The railroad underpass in its usual state is very inadequately lighted at night as well as during the day. A new wall design and a new lighting concept will strengthen the overall appearance of the underpass. The steel girders will be given a new primer coat, as well as individual colored accents on the pedestals. Thus, the functional space will once again become a walkable place of urban space.
The new wall design is in direct context with the Düsseldorf steel industry that was located there at the time. It shows a chain of geometric shapes representing an industrial machinery scene. Meanwhile, the compartments formed by the masonry create new correspondences that give the impression of a gallery. Three different designs have been created, all with different shapes and colors. The graphics run mirrored and in complementary contrast on the opposite side. Meanwhile, a new lighting concept accentuates the architecture of the steel girders and bathes the ceiling in colored light.
The underpass in the Friedrichstadt district is approximately 100 meters long, 3,90 meters high and 20 meters wide. There are a total of 56 steel girders and 28 surfaces on the wall.
