seele is executing 27 complex skylights, three shell support structures and 18 steel staircases for the ‘Stuttgart 21’ infrastructure project – the renewal of the main train station.

These ‘light eyes’, with a height of 4.30m and a diameter of up to 21m, will in future provide the underground station concourse with natural light and fresh air. Designed by ingenhoven architects, they distribute the daylight evenly over the interior for up to 14 hours a day.

The ‘regular light eyes’ are particularly ambitious in terms of the technology involved. They are composed of a supporting structure of welded steel sections and 5-ply laminated safety glass, as well as glass flaps at the highest point which can be automatically controlled. The steel and glass construction is framed with a double-curved stainless steel cladding made of tubes and sheet metal, in addition to a grating which surrounds it on the ground. The complex design is replicated in all 23 skylights. Furthermore, four flat walkable skylights will be created. To guarantee smooth installation of the skylights, a true-to-scale prototype of each type will be constructed beforehand.