Europe's Megaproject to Replace Russian Railways - #94
Apr 25, 2024
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Exploring Europe's massive rail project to upgrade connectivity in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Discussions on Shenzhen's skyscraper and Sydney's tech campus. Plus, a fun Irish-pub email and insights on construction projects worldwide.
Rail Baltica project aims to modernize infrastructure in Baltic states with high-speed railway.
China Merchants Bank skyscraper in Shenzhen lacks originality in design by Foster + Partners.
Central Place Sydney tech campus, focusing on renewable energy, contributes to city's tech landscape.
Deep dives
Rail Baltica Project in Baltic States
The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are undertaking the Rail Baltica project, an $8 billion high-speed railway across three countries. This project aims to modernize the rail infrastructure, connecting the three nations more effectively and aligning them with European standards. The 870-kilometer railway will accommodate high-speed passenger and freight trains, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and air pollution.
China Merchants Bank Skyscraper in Shenzhen
In Shenzhen, the China Merchants Bank headquarters skyscraper, designed by Foster + Partners, has officially topped out. The building's unique design draws inspiration from rock formations and traditional Chinese paper folding. While the architecture is decent, it feels somewhat lacking in originality and creativity, reflecting a broader trend seen in recent designs by Foster + Partners in China.
Tech Campus in Sydney's Tech District
A new $2 billion tech campus, Central Place Sydney, is being developed next to Atlassian HQ in Sydney's tech district, with a focus on being powered by 100% renewable energy. The architecture is described as fitting in with Sydney's style, though some find it a bit dull. The project is part of the wider tech central precinct, projected to create 25,000 jobs by 2036, contributing significantly to Sydney's tech landscape.
Listener Feedback from Jake Hanson Shearer
Listener Jake Hanson Shearer from the capital of Malawi shares feedback on the podcast, highlighting the absence of Irish bars in every city, as well as smaller but impactful infrastructure projects in Malawi. He suggests covering such projects in regions like Malawi. The email showcases the diverse reach of the podcast audience and a potential interest in exploring infrastructure projects in Africa.
Fred's Travel to Kuala Lumpur
Fred Mills is on a trip to Kuala Lumpur in partnership with Coney to cover the world's second tallest skyscraper, the Madeka PMB tower. The completed and topped-out tower is undergoing internal fit-out, with Fred showcasing breathtaking views of the skyscraper from his balcony. The tower's design and shade of blue are praised, offering a unique addition to Kuala Lumpur's skyline.
This week, Fred's away so it's just Liam & Luke and we're digging into The B1M's latest video "Europe's Megaproject to Replace Russian Railways". Together, we investigate the huge new high-speed rail line across three former Soviet states; Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
