Metro Hauptbahnhof Nord Hamburg

Preservation of a post-war monument as the central station of the new U5

GROUP A, in collaboration with Werner Sobek AG and Beersnielsen lighting designers, has been awarded second prize in the international design competition for the transformation of Hauptbahnhof Nord metro station in Hamburg. This post-war monument to be transformed into the central station for the future U5 subway line. The first prize was awarded to blrm Architekt*innen and Gottlieb Paludan Architects.

A tribute to a historic icon

Opened in 1968, Hauptbahnhof Nord is an important transit node in Hamburg’s metro network. Known for its circular platform geometry and construction using the drill-shield method, the station represents an era of technical optimism. GROUP A’s design respects this architectural heritage. The iconic tunnel tubes and modular tile patterns from the 1960s are being carefully restored. At the same time, refined new materials and ambient lighting introduce a contemporary interpretation that enhances the station’s historic character. This approach safeguards the legacy of post-war modernism and preserves the architectural triptych formed by the adjacent Messehallen and Gänsemarkt stations, while seamlessly integrating contemporary functions such as a smoke extraction system, improved accessibility, and state-of-the-art wayfinding.

Guided by light

The design draws inspiration from the layered structure of the tile tableaux and the lighter-colored surfaces within them, which appear as beams of light penetrating the underground space. By embracing and enhancing this motif, the design creates clear and intuitive routes, guiding passengers naturally through the station using light and contrast –from street level to the platforms.

Transparent and welcoming entrances

The station entrances have been designed with a focus on transparency and social safety. The original modular system – based on the cast-iron tunnel structure – is reinterpreted using glass bricks. These elements reference Hamburg’s rich brick architecture while their transparency brings a sense of abstraction and clarity. Illuminated from within, the glass brick entrances become inviting beacons of light in the evening and at night.

Sustainability at the core

Sustainable design practices are central to the design. The use of ceramic cladding and recycled materials—including reclaimed glass and silt from the Elbe’s shipping lanes—significantly reduces the station’s environmental impact. The result is a future-proof mobility hub that supports Hamburg’s green ambitions.

The jury praises the design for its outstanding recognition of the station’s historical value. It was described as “pleasantly modest, reduced to the essentials”, with particular commendation for the reinterpretation of existing materials and the extensive research into the use of sustainable (recycled) materials.