15384_HDG_Magazine_0118_GB_K4 FINAL

01 | 2018
HOT DIP GALVANIZING
by Holger Glinde
Piece
of cake
The Wheelhouse, Erfurt Station
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Urban mobility will look very different in ten years from today. For some time, there has been a shift from cars to public transport
in combination with the use of bicycles. Many cities are promoting this through the development of additional bicycle lanes and
creating parking facilities for bicycles in the form of ‘bike and ride’ stations in the vicinity of public transport interchanges. A good
example of this is ‘The Wheelhouse’ in the immediate vicinity of the Erfurt ICE train station. It is the second such facility at the
Erfurt ICE train station and is intended to meet the increasing demand for safe, weather-protected bicycle storage facilities.
The Wheelhouse designed by Osterwold ° Schmidt Exp. Architects
BDA, is a galvanized steel frame wedge, with its two sides hollowed
out at both sides to create double tired parking for 200 bikes. An
internal secure space also offers an extra-secure storage room with
charging stations for electric bikes. The location and access of the new
facility was of paramount importance, this meant the use of a very
small footprint of vacant land running alongside the station with quick
access via a footbridge.
The incorporation of a wedge-shaped structure takes full advantage of
available space and by cleverly cutting into both sides of the structure
a semi enclosed area is created that also helps to provide quick, easy
access. Hot dip galvanized steel combines the advantages of longevity
and robustness, that will withstand the continual loading, unloading of
bikes and the daily knocks and bangs associated with these processes
without unduly affecting the coating. The use of an expanded metal
skin promotes a high incidence of light during the day and luminosity
during the night. Depending on the light conditions, the expanded metal
creates an alternating effect between securing ‘shell’ and translucent
skin.
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