Lucerne Main Station

The Lucerne through-station is a once-in-a-century project. It will not only transform the entire transport system of the agglomeration but also offers a unique opportunity for the sustainable development of Lucerne’s inner city.

In a first step, the test planning contribution outlined possible development ambitions. It became clear that pursuing only individual programmatic interests would result in limited development and upgrading potential. The proposed concept demonstrates that an integrated overall approach allows synergies between the various requirements to be harnessed. This leads not only to interesting interactions between traffic flows and central urban uses but also to space-efficient infrastructure solutions.

Only through this approach can substantial urban development potential be realized—around 120’000 m² of gross floor area (GFA)—with diverse possibilities. A finely grained urban quarter is planned, with a high proportion of non-profit housing. The well-balanced mix of residential and workplace uses, along with strong connections between buildings and public spaces, brings vitality to the station area and enhances the sense of safety. The new district also integrates well into the existing urban and landscape context.

At the same time, the urban approach to mobility creates numerous generous public spaces. Forecasts predict a doubling of passenger numbers — around 180’000 passengers per day by 2040 — and this volume is deliberately seen as a potential asset for the inner city. Three major station squares are planned, and the "Corniche" will establish an attractive connecting space running along the entire track field, offering views of Mount Pilatus and the Pre-Alps.

The bus lines will be converted into a fully integrated urban bus network. With reduced turnaround and waiting areas at the main station, a customer-friendly and space-efficient public transport system with optimally linked stops can be achieved. As a result, the existing station square at the lake will soon be transformed into a traffic-free urban plaza, maintaining a strong connection between the station, the old town, and the lakefront even during the construction phase.

Notably, this transformation is independent of private motorized traffic (PMT): the space gain primarily results from simplifying the junctions at the station square, as buses no longer circulate there. In the long term, a significant reduction in PMT in the city center should be pursued as part of sustainable urban development. The generous pedestrian and recreational areas unlock the full potential of foot traffic, which in turn supports and strengthens central urban functions through increased footfall.