Which passenger station won the special prize of exterior at the 2024 Prix Versailles awards?

Announced annually by UNESCO in Paris, France, since 2015, the Prix Versailles is a series of architectural competitions that shine a light on the finest contemporary projects worldwide. The "World's Most Beautiful” Achievements recognition by the Prix Versailles in eight categories (Airports, Campuses, Passenger Stations, Stadiums, Museums, Emporiums, Hotels & Restaurants) highlights the primary role of the Laureates in beautifying and improving the living environment.

Among six nominees on the World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Stations List for 2024, Schafbergbahn Station, St. Wolfgang, Austria, won Prix Versailles, while Toulouse Matabiau Station, Toulouse, France, won the special prize for exterior. Bell Station, Australia, and Chiaia Metro Station, Italy, are on the list.

The architects at AREP remodelled the 119-year-old palaced-like Toulouse Matabiau Station, restoring the metal frames, the awnings and the mouldings, recreating the missing capitals out of fibrous plaster, and creating the monumental woodwork on the side facing the Canal du Midi.

The remodel glorifies a historic building whilst bringing its accessibility and its passenger services up to date. Inside, the choice of colours and materials adheres to the goal of understatedness, with a mirror polish reflecting travellers’ movements and lights from the shops enhancing the dynamics and the activity of the place. The station’s resolutely modern architecture is characterised by precision and airiness.