rbl+1

Switzerland's rapidly growing urban areas are increasingly conflicting with agriculture and the infrastructure needed for growth . The decarbonization of industry process heat creates a demand for renewable energy. The 170-football pitch marshalling yard in Spreitenbach (CH) is identified as an energy potential site. This project explores integrating renewable energy, reducing noise during shunting, utilizing polluted rainwater, and improving worker protection from extreme weather. The site is chosen due to significant planned investments by the Swiss railway in the monofunctional facility.

The existing marshalling yard will be expanded to include a solar and biogas power plant. Parabolic mirrors concentrate solar radiation to generate process heat for nearby industries. The sun exposed location allows algae cultivation, producing biomass that is converted into biogas, without competing with conventional agriculture. The roof structure, with a basic module, follows the logic of the marshalling yard's tracks, a pattern found in all Swiss marshalling yards. The urban form of the structure is defined by this logic. Vertical layering of the programmes creates interesting spatial relationships, from the track field to the sky. The new structure increases the utilization density of the underused yard, creating operational synergies. It reduces noise from the marshalling process and allows rainwater contaminated with heavy metals to nourish algae, eliminating the need for treatment. Additionally, workers are protected from extreme weather conditions. A public path and maintenance network within the structure creates a new connection from one track field side to the other. The officialy planned "Dietikon Silbern" railway station can be integrated into the structure. The processes of the marshalling yard and power station are made accessible to the public in an engaging way. If the marshalling yard is resized, parts of the site could be transformed into a landscape park, featuring microclimate-specific vegetation and uncovering the village stream. The site could also host a recurring music festival, with a striking backdrop of gas storage balloons, algae reactors, and freight wagons. This project aims to rethink the architectural and spatial potential of infrastructures and goes beyond technical solutions, creating spaces for people, nature, and agriculture.