The task for the participants was to develop a plan for the development of an area of 35 hectares, including not only the station complex and the necessary infrastructure, but also 120,000 square meters. m of shops, offices and hotels.
The jury considered that the Isozaki project best fits into the existing urban development situation, and also demonstrates knowledge of the specifics of Bologna. It was also noted the architect's active use of the play of light and shadow - even in the underground tiers of the transport terminal, as well as the absence of high-rise buildings in his project (which distinguished him from the proposals of other participants): all new buildings, according to the plan of Arat Isozaki, will be of the same height.
The project, with a budget of 340 million euros, envisages not only the creation of a new railway station: the complex will also unite city and local transport networks, as well as an airport.
Isozaki's rivals during the competition were Jean Nouvel, Peter Eisenman, David Chipperfield, Eduardo Souto de Moura and others.
For Arata Isozaki, this is the second recent victory in Italy: in December 2007 he won the competition for the project of the library of the city of Maranello near Modena.
