The Prestige of the Prix Versailles
Announced annually at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the Prix Versailles is a unique architecture award that highlights commercial structures like stations, shops, and hotels. It’s not just about looking good; the jury assesses projects on innovation,
creativity, and their connection to local culture and heritage. The goal is to champion architecture that is both beautiful and sustainable, fostering positive interactions and revitalising neighbourhoods. For a station to make the list, it needs to be more than just functional—it must be a landmark that enhances the urban environment. This year's selection of seven stations from around the globe showcases projects that successfully transform public transit into a cultural experience.
Naples: A Sculptural Gateway to the South
The Monte Sant'Angelo Station in Naples, a collaboration between artist Anish Kapoor and architecture firms Future Systems and AL_A, is a work of art you can walk through. Described as a sculptural experience, the design features two monumental entrances made of corten steel and aluminium that guide passengers 48 metres underground. The journey evokes a descent into a cave or even the nearby Mount Vesuvius, playing with mythology and natural forms. Rather than being a simple structure, the station itself is an immersive installation, turning the daily commute into a powerful aesthetic event that has been decades in the making.
Rome: Where Modernity Meets Antiquity
In Rome, the new Colosseo-Fori Imperiali Station masterfully blends the ancient with the contemporary. Spanning four levels and reaching over 30 metres deep, the station faced the classic Roman challenge: building for the future without disturbing the past. The project turned this obstacle into its main feature. Archaeological finds unearthed during construction are now displayed within the station, accompanying passengers on their journey. The design uses light and shadow to highlight different historical strata, and ancient wells serve as a recurring architectural motif. The result is a space that functions as both a modern metro station and a living museum, offering travellers a literal journey through history.
A New Vision for Public Spaces
The recognition of these two Italian stations points to a broader, inspiring trend in urban design. It’s an approach that sees public infrastructure not merely as a utility but as a vital part of a city's cultural fabric. As Prix Versailles Secretary General Jérôme Gouadain noted, these projects show that 21st-century passenger stations can be “bridges to a more desirable future.” By embedding art, history, and ambitious design into everyday spaces, cities like Rome and Naples are making a powerful statement. They are investing in the daily experience of their citizens and visitors, proving that beauty and functionality can, and should, go hand in hand.
