Erkrather Strasse underpass Worringer Platz - Light Concepts

Location and Character
Worringer Platz is one of the most disputed locations in the Düsseldorf city centre. It suffers from problems such as excessive traffic volume, over-furnished, drug trafficking etc. At the same time it serves as a stage for many different kinds of artistic events.  

It has just been completed. One central theme of the design is light. A green plaster surface with light-paving embedded in the regular raster will become the platform for further activities. Green banks of light form the linear boundary of the triangular square. The centre of the square is defined by a green beam of light. 
                           
The problems are not solved by the redesign; it is to be seen as a sign of enhancement, which is not merely restricted to the square, but should also affect the immediate surroundings, including the neighbouring underpasses. 

In order to reach the cultural events Capitol Musical Theatre and Tanzhaus Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia Dance House), which are situated in the immediate vicinity, you have to cross the Erkrather Strasse underpass. 

Link to the light master plan   
The Düsseldorf light master plan shows the Bahnring underpasses as "entrances" to the city centre. As such, the plan is to gradually enhance them – also under the important aspect of criminal prevention. They can be equipped with white or coloured dynamic light as long as road-users are not impeded. The Erkrather Strasse and Kölner Strasse underpasses directly next to the Worringer Platz are pre-destined for the start of such a series of measures. They serve as entrances or crossings to the area around Worringer Platz and can allow light to become the topical thematic focus.

The Erkrather Strasse railway underpass is being converted as a project of the light master plan leitmotiv "City Entrances". Following the redesign of the Worringer Platz and its light elements, the underpass illumination will connect the central station to the Capitol and Tanzhaus NRW venues via Worringer Platz. The underpass consists of several single-bridge constructions from different periods in different designs. The illumination concept of the light artist Michael Batz allows this process to become visible. The portal situation on both sides is supported by spots with white light; the parallel flanged girders of the individual bridge-building sections and the cavities above them are made clear by the grazing light. The spatial depth is discernible, at the same time removing the darkness and length of the underpass, which were considered unpleasant up to now. The single flash of colour in the concept come from the blue light planned below the Gleistrasse railing towards the Capitol Theatre and the LED strips located in the supports of the strutting girders, which are fitted analogous to the lighting prevailing there towards the Capitol with diodes that are blue in the direction of the Capitol and green in the direction of Worringer Platz.
Work is nearing completion. The measure will cost around € 130,000.