University of Naples Metro Station

Location: Naples, Italy

Architect: Karim Rashid

As one of the brightest and most creative train stations on our list, Karim Rashid's colourful, graphic redesign of the University of Naples Metro station really shows that train stations don't have to be dark, cold spaces. The design, in keeping with our modern, technology driven world, was inspired by the theme of 'knowledge in the digital age [and] language in the shrinking global landscape'.

As well as transforming the underground space, the University of Naples Metro station represents Naples' shift from a historic southern-Italian city to a global centre for technology and innovation. Of the design, Rashid said,  'This is the changing Italy and Università station is a metaphor of this new wired global condition. The concept integrates the station with its surroundings, as well as provides a platform for innovative, cutting-edge design strategy.'

All photos: Iwan Baan for M.N. Metropolitana di Napoli S.p.A..