#Traffic facility #Berlin #Germany #1927
Alfred Frederik Elias Grenander, Alfred Fehse, Johannes Bousset
BVG Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (Berlin Transport Company)
Alexanderplatz
10178
Berlin,
Germany
Public transport: Alexanderplatz
Access: Public area
Today's use: Underground Station
Description
What is particularly fascinating about the station is that it has remained largely in its original condition. While the U2 platform—completed in 1913—is not our primary focus, the planning work that began in 1927 led to the creation of two additional platforms, today serving the U5 and U8. The U8 was routed parallel to the older U2, whereas the U5 intersects both lines on an east–west axis. This configuration resulted in a two-level station, integrated with an extensive system of pedestrian passageways. These corridors once connected—and in some cases still connect—directly to the major department stores at Alexanderplatz.
Through this design, the station seamlessly aligns with the overall urban concept of Alexanderplatz, a location characterized architecturally and in terms of transport logistics by multiple layers: the U-Bahn below ground; trams, buses, cars, and pedestrians at street level; and the S-Bahn and regional trains on the elevated viaduct above. A direct connection from the U-Bahn to the S-Bahn and mainline platforms further reinforces this vertical transport hierarchy.
The station’s light green tiles give the space a fresh and bright atmosphere. The lighting fixtures mounted on the pillars within the passage and distribution areas are a noteworthy design feature, using simple geometric forms to elevate the otherwise understated architecture of the station.
Description
What is particularly fascinating about the station is that it has remained largely in its original condition. While the U2 platform—completed in 1913—is not our primary focus, the planning work that began in 1927 led to the creation of two additional platforms, today serving the U5 and U8. The U8 was routed parallel to the older U2, whereas the U5 intersects both lines on an east–west axis. This configuration resulted in a two-level station, integrated with an extensive system of pedestrian passageways. These corridors once connected—and in some cases still connect—directly to the major department stores at Alexanderplatz.
Through this design, the station seamlessly aligns with the overall urban concept of Alexanderplatz, a location characterized architecturally and in terms of transport logistics by multiple layers: the U-Bahn below ground; trams, buses, cars, and pedestrians at street level; and the S-Bahn and regional trains on the elevated viaduct above. A direct connection from the U-Bahn to the S-Bahn and mainline platforms further reinforces this vertical transport hierarchy.
The station’s light green tiles give the space a fresh and bright atmosphere. The lighting fixtures mounted on the pillars within the passage and distribution areas are a noteworthy design feature, using simple geometric forms to elevate the otherwise understated architecture of the station.
History
Construction of the Alexanderplatz U-Bahn station began in 1910 as part of the extension of what was then Line A—today’s U2—toward Pankow. The station was designed by Alfred Grenader. Starting in 1927, the station was expanded to accommodate Lines D (now U8) and E (now U5), with Grenader again responsible for the work, this time in collaboration with Alfred Fehse and Johannes Bousset. The new platforms were brought into service in 1930. Preparatory work for the tunnel of Line E (U5) had already been carried out in 1913 to support the planned eastward expansion of the network.
At the time of the station’s opening in December 1930, articles by the architect Johannes Bousset were published presenting the station. From today’s perspective, one might describe this as marketing by the transport authorities.
Major changes occurred after the Second World War, the division of Berlin, and especially the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961. Line D had its termini in West Berlin, while Alexanderplatz lay in East Berlin. As a result, trains on this line were required to pass through East Berlin without stopping. The entrances to the platforms were bricked up—using specially produced green tiles that matched the original ones to create the impression that the openings had never existed. The stations on this route became known as “ghost stations.”
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the former transfer connections were quickly restored, and in 1990 they reopened, allowing the station to function again as originally intended.
History
Construction of the Alexanderplatz U-Bahn station began in 1910 as part of the extension of what was then Line A—today’s U2—toward Pankow. The station was designed by Alfred Grenader. Starting in 1927, the station was expanded to accommodate Lines D (now U8) and E (now U5), with Grenader again responsible for the work, this time in collaboration with Alfred Fehse and Johannes Bousset. The new platforms were brought into service in 1930. Preparatory work for the tunnel of Line E (U5) had already been carried out in 1913 to support the planned eastward expansion of the network.
At the time of the station’s opening in December 1930, articles by the architect Johannes Bousset were published presenting the station. From today’s perspective, one might describe this as marketing by the transport authorities.
Major changes occurred after the Second World War, the division of Berlin, and especially the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961. Line D had its termini in West Berlin, while Alexanderplatz lay in East Berlin. As a result, trains on this line were required to pass through East Berlin without stopping. The entrances to the platforms were bricked up—using specially produced green tiles that matched the original ones to create the impression that the openings had never existed. The stations on this route became known as “ghost stations.”
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the former transfer connections were quickly restored, and in 1990 they reopened, allowing the station to function again as originally intended.
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