I’ve always been inspired by the extravagantly expressive works of Santiago Calatrava. Gare do Oriente, one of Lisbon’s main train stations, is one of Calatrava’s early works and was completed in 1998.
Covering the train tracks is an elegant tree-like glass canopy. I travelled to Lisbon on the overnight train from Madrid. Arriving at the station, the platform is open on all sides allowing expansive views of the city. I’ve seen so many pictures of this canopy that it was super exciting to see it in person. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there was more Calatrava magic below the platform!
Underneath, the railway tracks are supported by an expressive series of concrete arches, sculpted and organic in typical Calatrava. The underbelly of the station consists of a number of dynamic spaces across many levels down to the ground & underground metro lines. Finely articulated bridges and canopies project from the station, connecting it to the surrounding city. It’s an incredible arrival/departure experience and well worth a visit.
Calatrava has designed a number of amazing train stations, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit ones in Liege, Valencia, and Zurich.
Images by Jonathan Choe
