Concrete Wonders

Main Train Station

Stuttgart, Germany

Designer: Christoph Ingenhoven

The ambitious plan to move Stuttgart's central train station underground and free up space for commercial and residential real estate has been in the works since 1997. And though passengers have another eight years before the station opens for business, German architect Christoph Ingenhoven promises it will be worth the wait. His plan calls for a 1,400-ft.-long concrete "shell" just 8cm (3.15 in.) thick in some parts, supported by 28 "light eyes," or bell-shaped skylights.