Chomutov, Czechia
Chomutov Terminal
Evolve supported RED and Di5 architects in the design competition for a New multi-modal transport terminal for the City of Chomutov. The proposed project aimed to provide an elegantly integrated architectural and structural solution, where a slender colonnade and canopy provided direct connection between the bus drop off and the main terminal building, merging visually into the façade rhythm and providing a simple intuitive wayfinding for passengers. Furthermore the proposal has a focus on creating permeability across the train tracks through an engineered solution, which would provide benefits to the city’s urban design.
Client: Správa Železnic
Location: Chomutov, Czechia
Sector: Transport
Architect: Di5 + RED
Structural Engineers: Evolve
Design Competition Result: Jury Special Mention
Image Credit: RED
The Challenge
The city of Chomutov has long suffered from infrastructural fragmentation. The railway line, originally built at the end of the 19th century to support industrial development, has since become one of the most significant barriers within the city. It cuts through the urban fabric, isolates neighbourhoods, and restricts pedestrian movement. Combined with a high-speed road network and fragmented public spaces, this has resulted in a disconnected urban structure that urgently calls for integration. The challenge was therefore to embed in the design of this new terminal a solution which could create connectivity between the two sides through simple but elegant design decisions and structures.
The Solution
The proposed project responds to this condition with a comprehensive architectural and urban strategy: a new multimodal transport hub that restores continuity within the divided urban environment of Chomutov. Among the various strategies considered, an underpass proved to be the most effective solution for reconnecting the separated parts of the city. It minimises disruption to the surface level while creating a safe, legible, and comfortable route for both pedestrians and cyclists. The design of the new Chomutov station is rooted in a high level of integration between the building’s architectural language and its structural logic.
A key principle is the seamless coordination between the façade and structural systems, with no duplication of vertical elements for mullions. This approach ensures material efficiency and visual clarity, supporting a clean and expressive design. The structure is a lightweight steel frame structure that becomes itslef a central part of the station’s identity. The long, rhyth¬mic colonnade defines both the architectural character and the primary support structure, enhancing intuitive wayfinding and creating a cohesive public presence. The result is an elegant and recognisable design that acts as a catalyst for Chomutov’s future development.
