Thanks to Eurostar and the international extension of the TGV network, Lille has become the transport hub of northern Europe, a position it is trying to exploit to turn itself into an international business centre, with the appropriate space-age facilities. Hence, Euralille, the burgeoning complex of buildings behind the old gare SNCF. One definite success is the new Lille-Europe station: composed of lots of props and struts and glass and sunscreens, it's lean, elegant and functional, a fitting setting for the magnificent TGV and Eurostar trains that use it. Some of the buildings in the complex are, however, less successful, for example, the boot-shaped tower treading on the roof of the new station or the enormous shopping centre opposite with galvanized walkways, marbled malls and relentless muzak. All somewhat removed from the utopian dreams of architect Le Corbusier, acknowledged in the avenue Le Corbusier, which sweeps over an empty plaza to the Lille-Europe station.
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