Liège-Guillemins Railway Station

This railway station was opened in 2008 and replaced a post-war building from the 1950's. One reviewer described the building as a railway cathedral - and it is true. The building seems to be a modern interpretation of the classic stations built during the industrial revolution. Calatrava's dome has equal grandeur and similar dimensions (200m long, 35m high). The extensive use of white makes the station look not only more chicque than its 19th century predecessors; it gives the structure an airy, light-weight and almost delicate appearance. Apart from its structure, one of the most surprising aspects is the station's nearly-complete openness towards the city centre. Where most other stations know a clear division between inside and outside, this station extends the public square right into its heart.