The revitalization project “Traces of the Future” is a new public urban space that is accessible to locals and visitors as a cultural and meeting place, a green oasis and an open city hall with a wide range of uses in the middle of the city.

The urban space, which is to be created on the old railroad tracks of Stuttgart's terminus station, is directly adjacent to the light eyes of the platform hall and is bordered by the Europaviertel and the Schlossgarten. The existing historic steel structure of the platform roof and the railroad tracks provide a clear reference to the historic station building, known as the 'Bonatzbau', while also allowing for a free floor plan and an open space that stands for an interaction between the crowded station and the colorful city life. Climbing plants along the pillars and hanging plants under the roof lead the green landscape of the castle garden inside and create a unique, tangible oasis of nature. Activities of all kinds, such as a weekly market and exhibitions, are possible in the oasis and it is accessible to everyone.

The old roof construction with its glass roof, which alternates in height, is visually highlighted, brings daylight into the hall and accommodates the roof garden, which generates an additional microclimate in the city. The roof garden is accessible from the staircase sculpture and the observation tower. In the evening, the transparent observation tower with its panoramic view over the city becomes a lighthouse visible from afar, a new landmark for Stuttgart.

Directly adjacent to the Lichtaugen is a square with surrounding seating steps, which has a direct connection to the new underground platform hall and can be used as a stage for festivals. Five pavilions, each with a roof terrace, are being built from west to east between the old railroad tracks in place of the old platforms. These provide views of the Bonatzbau. Designed with transparent façades, the pavilions create a dialog between inside and outside. In this way, the various functions are visible from the outside and the 'inner life' can be experienced by passers-by. Adjacent to the Europaviertel and the main railway station, the two pavilions in the west are intended to serve as a tourist center, accommodate multifunctional rooms and, together with the kiosks made from recycled freight cars, primarily offer business and tourist-oriented functions. While the three pavilions linked to the palace gardens and the water play area in the east are intended to offer a variety of opportunities for play, sport, encounters and recreation.