Offenburg Mobility Stations

Einfach Mobil

“Einfach Mobil” is the mobility brand of the city of Offenburg, which has been pursuing a comprehensive, multimodal transport concept since 2015. The aim is to strengthen eco-friendly transport and offer citizens flexible, sustainable alternatives to using their own cars.

As part of the “Einfach Mobil” initiative, four mobility stations were initially set up, linking various modes of transport such as car sharing, bike sharing, and public transport. These stations are strategically located at public transport stations to enable seamless transfers between modes of transport. In addition to rental vehicles, the stations also offer parking facilities for private bicycles and have a modular design so that they can be expanded flexibly.

“Einfach Mobil” is part of the Ortenau Mobility Network, which aims to establish an intermunicipal network of around 150 mobility stations in the region. This network is intended to improve local mobility and promote the switch to environmentally friendly modes of transport. The first stations outside Offenburg were put into operation in the second half of 2023.

Design approach

In 2013, we were commissioned by the city of Offenburg to develop a “mobility station” – a novel project at the time with no comparable models in public spaces. Our design requirements included, among other things: The station should provide shelter and combine open and enclosed areas. A clear brand presence was just as important as the integration of information offerings. In addition, the mobility station was intended to serve as a social meeting place – a bench as a connecting element was therefore an integral part of the design. These guidelines formed the basis for the development of a modular, functional, and identity-creating design concept.

Modules and module catalog

The modular system enables flexible and site-appropriate design of the mobility stations. It includes building elements of varying complexity – from simple partition walls to complete building structures. The individual modules include frame structures, open and closed areas, brand elements, and various roof shapes. This modular system allows the stations to be planned, expanded, or adapted as needed without deviating from the overall design concept.

Implementation

In 2015, the first stations were built in the city of Offenburg. In the years that followed, the network of stations in the city was continuously expanded and has since been extended to the entire Ortenau district.

Station at the main railway station

Station: Cultural Center

Module structure

Setting up the trade fair station

Trade fair station/© Offenburg

Data

Client:Stadt Offenburg
Period:Design development 2013 – 2014
Implementation from 2015
Awards:German Design Award 2016
Good Design 2016