In 2008, ProRail and the Municipality of Ede set out to expand the Ede-Wageningen train station in the face of planned property development nearby, estimated to increase passenger numbers to around 25,000 passengers per day by 2030. The new station design would provide expanded services, functionality and safety for passengers, and sustainability in design.
Designing a canopy of leaves
As the most iconic element of the station’s design, the wooden roof mimics a tree canopy. It boasts visual simplicity and sophistication, uniformly connecting the various quadrants of the transport hub, ensuring orientation from all sides. The roof is composed of 23 wooden triangles, each measuring 27 metres long. Almost every node and column faces a different direction, carrying a significant force load while still maintaining the architectural ambition. The triangular skylights allow daylight to fall on the platform and lead passengers to the pedestrian tunnel.
Inspired by the local Veluwe landscape, the use of complementary natural materials such as wood, stone, glass and steel, together with the robust architectural detailing, make the design not only durable but also timeless, bringing a sense of nature into the train station itself.
Creating a sense of place
Alongside beautiful design, functionality was also at the core of our combined approach. The team connected all elements of the passenger journey, embedding intuitive spatial wayfinding into the designs and enabling people to move around quickly and easily. By embracing the station’s surroundings, it was possible to create a true sense of place from the moment passengers step out of a train.
“The station’s design is inspired by the Veluwe National Park. The composition of the timber canopy, stepping up and down, is reminiscent of the experience under the canopy trees in the Veluwe forest. Our goal was to design an efficient transportation hub, but also to connect people with nature, offering a very pleasant atmosphere for all users.” added Rodrigo Louro, Associate Architect at Mecanoo.
The new station is already open for passengers. The development of the parking garage and landscaping, plus a new pedestrian and bicycle tunnel between Ede and Wageningen under the railway is currently under construction, expected to be complete in 2026. Together, the designs will put Ede-Wageningen train station on the map, solidifying its position as the gateway to the Veluwe National Park.