Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
The ZJA-designed Startstation E-line in The Hague has won the prestigious the European Steel Design Merit Award 2019. The award is presented every two years by the European Convention for Constructional Steelwork (ECCS) to projects where steel has been used in an inspiring way. The light rail station is characterized by a slender canopy of glass and steel above the platforms. A covered walkway in the form of an expressive steel canopy forms the connection between the starting station and the hall of The Hague Central Station.
The station canopy and viaduct develop in the direction of the train station into a razor-sharp sculptural canopy that cuts through the glass entrance facade of The Hague Central Station, as it were, and thus also becomes visible inside the large station hall. The canopy is so clearly legible as a route and provides comfort and recognizability for travelers. In the urban context, the transparent and curved grid of the canopy functions as an inviting gesture. The flowing shape of the canopy provides shelter from rain and wind and allows plenty of daylight. At night, a starry sky of LED lighting illuminates the platforms and the covered pedestrian zone that gives access to the start station.
ZJA is very proud that the Start Station E-line has been awarded a European Steel Design Merit Award 2019. It is the appreciation for a special project that came about in a long and complex process with many parties involved.
The architectural idiom of the Startstation E-line is related to that of the Beatrixlaan station and viaduct in The Hague, for which ZJA previously designed. Both stations have become part of a single architectural family to ensure the identity and recognizability of the entire line. The Startstation E-line has a strong identity of its own in relation to The Hague Central Station and its surroundings. The sculptural form of the canopy and canopy are a real eye-catcher, but also take into account the human scale. At the same time, the Startstation E-line also blends seamlessly into its extremely complex urban environment.
The design of the spatial canopy was created and optimized using a parametric computer model. This allowed the use of cold and single curved laminated glass with an almost rectangular basic shape. In addition to the advantage of using cold bent glass, the material consumption of the steel structure could be drastically reduced. Moreover, the shape could be generated in a, in terms of force effects, natural, controlled manner. The very slim construction of the canopy is lightweight and has resulted in savings in material and production (energy) compared to a conventional canopy.
With the sleekly designed start station, The Hague has gained a recognizable and iconic light rail station that stands out in the urban environment. The spot that used to be the back of The Hague Central Station has been transformed with the new start station into an attractive entrance to The Hague that welcomes travelers. Moreover, it is an orderly station where travelers can easily find their way around.
The realization of the Startstation E-line was carried out by ProRail, commissioned by the municipality of The Hague, and contractor BAM Infra NL was responsible for the construction.
Constructor: BAM Infraconsult, Knippers Helbig Advanced Engineering, Royal HaskoningDHV, Ney & Partners. Contractor: BAM Infra NL. Bridge subcontractor: Smulders. Roofing subcontractor: Jos van den Bersselaar Constructie, Kersten Europe. Glass subcontractor: Brakel Atmos.
