Utrecht Central Station

Location: Utrecht, the Netherlands

Architect: Benthem Crouwel Architects

The refurbishment of Utrecht Central Station was completed in 2016 - as the largest and busiest train station in the Netherlands, the number of visitors to the station is always increasing. Benthem Crouwel Architects have been involved in the redevelopment of the train station since 2003, and now the new building has opened, featuring a new, undulating roof that houses train, bus and tram platforms.

Designers Jan Benthem and Mels Crouwel had the idea to "design the original flat roof of Utrecht Central Station as a wave that radiates a dynamic movement and also functions as a natural way finder". The 'wave' has three peaks, with the highest undulation above the train station, whilst the lower two canopy over the bus and tram stations. Natural daylight spills into the terminals through glass skylights, which also function as smoke hatches. 

All images © Jannes Linders