Hagenbeck Zoo Subway Station, Hamburg

The construction of the new U5 subway line in Hamburg is Germany’s largest transportation infrastructure project. One of the three stations that Gruber + Popp Architects are designing along this line is the “Hagenbecks Tierpark” station, located right next to the zoo of the same name.

Opened in 1907 and now a designated historic landmark, the zoo is one of Hamburg’s most popular attractions and draws thousands of visitors every day—including many families, children, and school groups.

The design concept for the station interprets the U5 guidelines in a site-specific way and establishes a connection to the zoo: At its center is a patterned ceiling whose design playfully references the zoo. Graphic depictions of characteristic animal motifs are arranged on individual ceiling panels and can be rediscovered time and again—much like in a game of Memory or a puzzle.

The wall cladding also complies with the guidelines set forth in the design manuals. It consists of white ceramic facade panels with a wavy relief pattern and extends continuously from the exterior walls of the platform concourses through the ticket halls to the exit areas.