03.01.23 Frankfurt am Main

VIA MOBILE FRANKFURT FAIR: MAA successful

The Sparda-Bank Tower and the new Messeplatz entrance will be built on the trade fair grounds on Europa-Allee by 2025. This will create a new entrance in the south for the trade fair grounds, located directly at the future subway station in the Europaviertel. In addition to the construction of the new Hall 5, which will begin operations in February, the realization of the Messeplatz entrance, including a connection to Via Mobile, is the latest milestone in the modernization of the exhibition center. The development started with the structural or also master plan of 1980.

With the design of the new Messeplatz entrance, Messe Frankfurt is completing its inner-city exhibition center, which is unique in the world. The exhibition grounds are now easily accessible for all guests from any direction in the shortest possible time. With the new subway line in the Europaviertel, Messe Frankfurt will in future have a perfect connection to public transport by means of two subway lines, four S-Bahn lines, as well as streetcars and buses.Via Mobile will connect the new entrance with Hall 12, which opened in 2018, and thus also with all the other halls at the fair. The Via Mobile is a covered and glazed transport system with moving walkways and escalators that connects the halls. The nearly 5,000-square-meter new entrance building includes a spacious reception hall with access control systems, event and conference rooms, and an attractive café/bistro that will be open year-round.

Design by MAA Moser wins
On December 5, 2022, three planning offices – MAA Moser Assoziierte Architekten (Frankfurt), BillyBeyeScheid Architekten Partnerschaft mbH (Frankfurt) and kadawittfeldarchitektur (Aachen) – presented their proposals for the final section of the Via Mobile as part of a peer review process. After in-depth discussion, an expert panel consisting of Uwe Behm, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt, and other colleagues from Messe Frankfurt’s Construction, Engineering and Logistics departments decided in favor of the design by MAA Moser: Associated Architects (Frankfurt).

“MAA Moser’s design stands out for its efficiency in construction and aesthetics,” said Uwe Behm, who was highly satisfied with the panel’s decision. “The new section of Via Mobile integrates itself as a matter of course between the Messeplatz entrance and Hall 12, taking up references from both buildings and yet retaining its independence.”

The goal of this section of Via Mobile will be to create the shortest connection between the Messeplatz entrance and Hall 12. By studying various scenarios, it was possible to shorten the distance of the bridge by about 10m. In total, this section will be 120 meters long, 8.30 meters wide and 6.90 meters high (in external dimensions).

In order to minimize the logistical restrictions in the outdoor area behind the Cargo Center, the Via Mobile will be realized as a bridge structure with only two concrete support structures. The multi-functional support structures are located on adjacent areas, also contain the escape stairs and form oases for visitors with seating and greenery. Perspectives on the skyline of the city of Frankfurt are staged through panoramic panes in the facade. Visual connections to the Torhaus, the Messeturm and the “show side” Emser Brücke guide visitors to their destination and prevent a tunnel effect.

The aim is to complete the new section of the Via Mobile, which will then be around 1.7 kilometers long, in time for the opening of the new Messeplatz entrance. Work is expected to start in 2024.

From the press release of Messe Frankfurt.