The extension for the Central Station of Bologna has the multi-folded role being a key node on the transport network as well as an important block in the urban fabric bridging the historical division of the city. After a diagnosis of the potentials and strength of the city the design develops an especially tailored programme for each of the different user groups, creating a neighbourhood with new streets, boulevards, squares and city functions which benefit the transport user and local residents alike. The luminous heart of the station with the intricate structure provides a distinct and unique identity, offering a different experience on each visit and celebrating the act of traveling. A delicate steel structure is installed 20 metres above the tracks, functioning as a roof which covers – and thereby combines – all areas of the station.

UNStudio: Ben van Berkel with Nuno Almeida and Jan Schellhoff, Zheinfei Wang, Veronica Baraldi, Juergen Heinzel, Casper Damkier, Patrik Noome, Margherita Del Grosso, Leon Bloemendaal