Max-Brauer-Allee underpass, Hamburg-Altona

The upgrading of the Max-Brauer-Allee underpass is an important contribution to better connect the separate districts in the centre of Altona. The tunnel redesign combines the design upgrade of the surfaces with the integration of two kiosk buildings.
The outstanding design element is a suspended steel structure made of brass-coloured, organically shaped flat steel, which integrates the two kiosk buildings. The backlit slatted wall forms an effective contrast to the massive tunnel structure.

The flooring was derived from the design context on the surface between Ottenser Hauptstraße and Großer Bergstraße. The most important goal was to connect both sides with a uniform material. Clinker bricks in different colours were used in a bar format, which become darker and darker from the ramps to the tunnel. The wall surfaces in the tunnel were clad with a light grey clinker brick. Through this design proposal to choose the floor covering darker than the wall and floor surfaces, the impression of an optical widening is aimed for in the tunnel area.
Color selection of the surfaces, lighting concept curtain flat steel construction interlock closely in the proposed concept. Above ground, additional space was gained by slightly changing the stair and ramp systems. Especially on the west side of Max-Brauer-Allee, space for cyclists and pedestrians could be created between the station building and the stairway. The aim of these measures was to improve the direct pedestrian and cyclist connection. The partial dismantling of the retaining walls at the mouths of the tunnels made it possible to achieve direct routes and lines of sight and thus to upgrade the above-ground relationships.