Since the Middle Ages, Susa has been an important transport hub on the trade routes between the Apennine Peninsula and southern France, but in the 20th century its role has diminished. But now the city can regain its former importance: it is planned to build a tunnel through the Alps with a length of 57 km, through which the movement of high-speed trains on the Turin-Lyon route will go. At both entrances to the tunnel, a train station will be built, and on the Italian side it will be just the station in Susa.
Kengo Kuma's project was the best of 49 bureaus invited to participate in the competition. The architect coordinated the future building with the surroundings: like alpine peaks, it gradually "gains height", twisting in a spiral, and its outlines continue the lines of the landscape. A promenade terrace is planned in the upper part of the building, from where you can admire the panoramas of the Susa Valley.
The construction of the station is scheduled to begin in 2014, but the project with a budget of about 48 million euros has many opponents who doubt its profitability and benefits. However, its strategic importance is important: the Turin-Lyon line connected with it completes the European railway corridor running from Lisbon to Kiev.
N. F.
