The interiors of Plzeň main railway station are undergoing reconstruction

Rail transport is on the rise. The reconstruction of the main train station awaits not only Prague and Brno, but also Plzeň. The listed building of Plzeň's main station is approximately one-third through its complete reconstruction. The new appearance of the interior was designed by the architectural studio A8000, which has rich experience with transport structures. The reconstruction will restore the architectural quality of the station and bring life back to unused spaces. The most significant change will be in the usual movement of passengers. They will now be able to utilize the clear central area of the ticket counters, shop in the expanded commercial gallery, or have lunch at a restaurant located on the platform before departure. The color scheme will return to its original cream and gray. The main hall will be complemented by a replica of the original historic flooring.
The overall reconstruction of the main train station building in Plzeň began in May of last year. The construction work will take at least two and a half years. The entire object will receive a new roof and facade.
“The reconstruction builds on the modernization of platforms and other parts of the station, which took place in previous years. Now the main comprehensive revitalization of the protected station building and its surroundings is underway. A functional modern station is indeed a huge opportunity for the development of the entire city,” adds the general director of the Railway Administration, Jiří Svoboda.
However, the most prominent change will occur in the upper hall, which will newly acquire the character of a shopping gallery. The function of the station will thus expand in line with current trends into a kind of transport and commercial hub, where people won't mind waiting for the next train connection. The commercial area is expected to increase by up to 150 m². There will also be a significant increase in lighting in the upper hall.
The A8000 studio approaches the transformation of the historical station with confidence but with respect for the original building. This will result in changes in color scheme, with the interior being dominated by sensitive and unobtrusive shades of gray, white, and cream, just like it was fifty years ago. The station will thus change its expression and regain its lost nobility. The interior will be complemented by durable seating furniture made of cast materials such as Corian. The flooring will be replicated as a replica of the original historic pavement. 

Significant modifications will be made to the central ticket counters and information center. Passengers will be able to buy tickets from all transport companies in one place, which has not been possible until now. The architects are primarily aiming to clarify the space and achieve visual unity. The central ticket counters will therefore be connected by a black counter with minimalist design. All restrooms will be barrier-free, and new orientation systems will assist the visually impaired and hearing impaired. The entire area will be monitored by security cameras.
“We are renovating the historical parts of the station with respect and building the new ones using modern materials, so that the new and the old exist in mutual harmony. This approach is closest to us. However, our biggest emphasis is on simplifying the journey for passengers. The interior space of the station should be clearly understandable and functional for them. Today's operation of the station building is somewhat unclear, and the counters are scattered in several places,” says architect Pavel Kvintus from the A8000 studio.
The key idea of the design is to connect the station with the city. A new addition will be a restaurant with outdoor seating that will enliven the currently unused space behind the station. Passengers will thus be able to
enjoy lunch or dinner with a view of the trains. The exterior will be connected to the interior through new fully glazed doors.
The main train station is one of the architectural landmarks of the central part of Plzeň. The building is constructed in the Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. It was ceremonially opened in 1907. Unlike most station buildings in the Czech Republic, it stands in the middle of the tracks. The station building has been protected since 2000. The contracted price for the contractor is approximately 667 million korunas.
Architects A8000 are also behind the revitalization of the bus and train station in České Budějovice and Cheb, and together with the Dutch studio Benthem Crouwel Architects, they are involved in the new design of the Brno train station.