Urge To Preserve Holds Back Train Stations

Rather than taking wrecking balls to some of these outdated structures and building efficient, elegant terminals to cater to commuters and visitors, traditionalists want to stifle development by holding onto facades, layouts and features that do little to ease the transport pains experienced by hundreds of thousands daily.

Britain is not the only country guilty of falling behind in updating its rail hubs. In northern Europe, Helsinki, Copenhagen and Stockholm could all do with commissioning some the best local architectural talent and making more of their city center stations. Stockholm Central Station feels worn out and tired. Copenhagen Central Station could do with either upping the voltage of its lighting grid or letting in a bit more sun by day. In France, Paris's main stations are a letdown for the rolling stock that has become a symbol for savvy investment in infrastructure.