The station for the French high-speed TGV in Lyon-Satolas is a magnificent technical achievement and - apart from the construction of the Channel Tunnel and the "Great Library" in Paris - was the third largest building site during recent years in France.
With its opening in June 1994, the first multimodal traffic platform was inaugurated. It combines air, rail and road connections with a worldwide communication network.
Thanks to its functional concept, the TGV Satolas station is considered to be the pioneer of its kind for the 21st century.
The bold steel, glass and concrete architecture was created by the engineer and architect Santiago Calatrava.
The most impressive building here is the station hall. A structure of breathtaking lightness, despite its size. With this design Calatrava broke away totally from traditional ideas for a station hall. He created a strongly expressive work of art which is comparable in design to a bird making ready to take flight. A symbol of longing for afar.
Architect
Santiago Calatrava
Engeneering consultants
SERETE, Lyon
Light planning
Alain Guiholt, Architecture Lumière
Guy Marchi, Le Mat, Lyon
