Why Europe is Building a $34BN Transport Mega-Hub
Infrastructure 30 Apr 2025
It’s a building you could argue has a greater history than any other. Hagia Sophia was the world’s largest cathedral for almost 1,000 years before being converted to a mosque, then a museum, then a church again. In that time it’s survived wars, looting, fires and multiple earthquakes — just about.
But there are fears the next big quake could be catastrophic for the structure, which is why it’s now going through an extensive restoration, including reinforcements to its iconic dome. This is the story of Istanbul’s remarkable landmark, and what’s being done to save it.
Plans by architects Herzog and de Meuron will see Tirana's 40-year-old Palace of Congresses renovated and a new mixed-use office and hotel skyscraper constructed above.
The US Department of Transportation and Amtrak appointed Penn Transformation Partners, a joint venture led by Halmar and Skanska, as developers for the project. Works could start in 2027.
Published by Penguin Random House, Mega Builds by Fred Mills is now one of the bestselling non-fiction books in the UK.