It may look like a setting from a futuristic film set. But the image above was actually taken at Liege-Guillemins train station in Belgium. It was designed by one of my favourite architects: Santiago Calatrava.
Last week I travelled through the station en-route to IMM Cologne (the International Furniture Fair in Cologne). It was freezing – about minus 4 degrees celcius – and still dark outside because it was so early in the morning. But despite that, seeing this station for the first time with its amazing architecture, was mesmerising.
Santiago Calatrava’s majestic structure is made of steel, glass and white concrete, with a sweeping vaulted roof. Angles, lines and curves combine to create fascinating shapes, and everywhere you turn there is a new view to take in. It feels rather like walking through an ultra-modern reinterpretation of a Gothic cathedral. While organic references give the design a fluid appearance.
You can’t help but be inspired by the architecture. It talks of motion, adventure and possibilities. Of a light at the end of the tunnel. (Which is rather apt for a train station that has become a major European hub.)
What a perfect start to a day seeing some of the new design and interior trends for 2013.
What do you think of the architecture? Please tell me in the comments below.
[Photo credits: Mocha]
I can just explain how amazing the architecture and design of the building is superb. Thank you for sharing this one.
The sight of European architecture buildings are quite beautiful to look at. It’s fascinating to see how beautiful they look especially to see how dedicated the architects have been. It seems like the architecture firms in Europe have a different style of creating buildings like those in the picture compared to that of the other firm in the United States.