Train stations are becoming an increasingly important part of urban life. They are the connection between different transport hubs, a social interaction platform, and part of a culture or daily routine. However, many train stations are designed to meet only the first demand, “transporting people and making the city accessible”. Many stations in Berlin are designed with these thoughts and are therefore unattractive to many passengers travelling to and from the city, leaving other modes of transportation dominant.

The design for a new train station in Berlin will primarily respond to creating a unique traveller experience to enhance the user experience. Digital media and automation technologies play an essential role in this, allowing the station user to configure their own experience at the station according to their needs. The station within which these technologies can serve the user will also have to change its character.

Adding features related to service and experience should ensure that a new platform is created that encourages travellers to use the public transport network. Moreover, adding these themes in a station reduces travel time and enhances the user experience.

The design extends the standard train station by integrating automation technologies that allow travellers to perform daily actions at the station faster. For instance, car and bicycle parking in the station is automated, eliminating parking operations. Moreover, the station will also feature service cores. Integrated into these cores are automated food and package services and digital media that can provide users with necessary travel information, daily news and weather, exhibition display and events.

Besides the addition of automation technologies, the building will also have various functions related to the traveller’s daily routine, facilitating social activities and providing work and study places. Through interactive screens in the station or the telephone, travellers can pre-select the desired functions they will use at the station. The station configures its layout using this data to make the required space available.

Finally, in addition to classifying their travel experience at the station, users can configure their space in terms of spaciousness and climate. By applying these new functions and techniques, the station will no longer be a monotonous building for the user but will be able to react to needs and adapt to current and future use.