Schoyerer Architekten_SYRA

Initial Situation

The Bicycle Parking Garage Mainz at the Mainzer Hauptbahnhof originates from a concept developed by SCHOYERER ARCHITEKTEN_SYRA in 2004. At that time, alternative proposals considered independent buildings with multiple parking levels on newly designated sites. In contrast, the concept identified the existing structures on the rear side of the station as a resource for a more efficient and urbanistically appropriate solution.

The approximately 2,000 m² brownfield site beneath the elevated road at Binger Schlag had remained unused since 1969 and lacked a coherent urban concept even after the track overbuilding between 1999 and 2003. The design recognized the potential of this centrally located site, frequently used by pedestrians, as the appropriate location for a bicycle parking garage, avoiding additional occupation of limited space around the station.

Concept

The Bicycle Parking Garage Mainz is based on the adaptive reuse of the existing elevated road structure as a roof surface. The concept of building within the existing context utilizes the available site and structure efficiently, requiring only minimal additional construction elements such as lightweight side walls. This approach transforms a long-neglected urban space into functional infrastructure and establishes a sustainable and economical solution for bicycle parking at the Mainzer Hauptbahnhof.

Architectural Description

The architectural design of the Bicycle Parking Garage Mainz is defined by an open structure beneath the elevated bridge. The facility includes a service station with a large shop window at the main station access, forming a clearly visible entrance. The spatial organization accommodates approximately 400 bicycles in a paid area with lockers and charging stations for e-bikes, as well as around 600 bicycles in a freely accessible area.

Construction

The construction consists of a lightweight system of galvanized steel columns clad with expanded metal. The open structure ensures continuous cross ventilation and provides a secure yet permeable enclosure. The elevated bridge functions as the roof of the bicycle parking garage, minimizing structural intervention and integrating the new infrastructure into the existing urban fabric.