From an old station in Belgium that has been renovated, to one that is completely modern, and indeed one of the most impressive new stations anywhere from an architectural standpoint: Liège-Guillemins, opened in September 2009.
Reasons for replacing the former station were:
* The old infrastructure was no longer suitable for accommodating the TGV and national trains and their passengers in conditions of comfort.
* Platforms most commonly used were at the opposite of the entrance to the station;
* Docks too narrow and curved;
* Tracks that sheared others, limiting the speed of trains in their arrivals and departures;
* Tracks in cul-de-sacs became useless over time;
* A lack of comfort and space in the building that welcomed passengers;
* A glass and concrete architecture typical of the years 1950-1960, which had deteriorated over time (blackened windows, offices deserted ...);
* The presence of asbestos.
The task of designing the new station was entrusted to Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava Valls.
(Photo 1 from wikimedia; 2 and 3 by Geoff Churchman)
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