santiago calatrava: sneak peak at undular mediopadana station in italy

‘mediopadana station’ by santiago calatrava, reggio emilia, italyimage courtesy of meglio possibile

the region of northern italy is marked by growing green hills and the first glimpses of the alps dotted with humble ancient towns that make their living from the bucolic landscape. the hexagonal municipality of reggio emilia is no exception, and as of june 9th will be able to enjoy a burst of very contemporary architecture by none other than the famed spanish architect/engineer santiago calatrava. the new ‘mediopadana station’ for the controversial high-velocity rail line (TAV) stretches 483 meters visible from the highway and serves as a new portal to the town. in keeping with his signature white buildings, the structure is a large undulating form composed of 457 steel frames spaced about one meter apart that progressively outline a fluid wave and frame translucent glass panels above the platforms for protection from the elements. each of the ribs is partially supported by a curved longitudinal beam supported every 25 meters by a composite concrete and steel column.

entrance constructionimage courtesy of meglio possibile

undulating form in the sky made from repetitious framesimage courtesy of meglio possibile

view from below the platformsimage courtesy of meglio possibile

frame constructionimage courtesy of comune di reggio nell’emilia

construction of framesimages courtesy of meglio possibile

longitudinal beam supporting the individual framesimage courtesy of meglio possibile

construction of supporting steel columnsimage courtesy of meglio possibile

image courtesy of meglio possibile

‘mediopadana station’ by santiago calatrava, reggio emilia, italyimage courtesy of meglio possibile

night constructionimage courtesy of meglio possibile

‘mediopadana station’ by santiago calatrava, reggio emilia, italyimage courtesy of comune di reggio nell’emilia

renderimage © santiago calatrava

interior, at platformsimage © santiago calatrava

sectionimage courtesy of comune di reggio nell’emilia

sectionimage courtesy of comune di reggio nell’emilia