The first and second Genval railway stations, pictured c. 1920
The first railway station, probably built around 1900, was of the "Belgian State Halt Plan 1893" type, with a central body with four openings framed by two small asymmetrical wings, very similar to the one that had been built at the village of Profondsart [fr]. It later became the goods station building. The second (current) eclectic-style railway station was erected near the first around 1910, as attested by the inscription "Anno 1910" above the main entrance. It was designed by the architect G. De Lulle, who adapted the characteristics of the bourgeoisvilla to railway use.[2] It has a number of similarities with Jurbise railway station [fr].
21st century
At the beginning of the 21st century, the construction of the four-track line between Watermael-Boitsfort and Ottignies required major redevelopment work at the station.[3] The project included a large multi-storey car park with 570 spaces, built partly above the tracks.[4] The car park allows direct access to the platforms via stairs or lifts.[5] A bus station was then built on the site of the old car park.[6] The development is complemented by bicycles facilities and short-term parking spaces.[7] The civil engineering work on this site was carried out between 2009 and 2013. During this work, the first station building and the goods halls were demolished.
Architecture
The station's architectural style is eclectic with Art Nouveau decorative elements.[8] The building, made of orange and yellow bricks, consists of a high central building with a low-rise extension on each side. The station's rear façade presents a wrought iron canopy with a porch roof (or glass porch) typical of the Belle Époque.
Porch roof
Looking down at the tracks
View of the platforms and tracks
Tracks under the car park
Art Nouveau decoration
The Art Nouveau decoration of the frontage consists of four beautiful ceramic panels and four sgraffiti, depicting red poppy flowers, plus one sgraffito depicting the "winged wheel", symbol of the railway since the 19th century. This "winged wheel" refers to Hermes, the ancient Greek god of travellers.[citation needed]
Ceramic panel depicting red poppy flowers
Ceramic panel depicting red poppy flowers
Sgraffito depicting red poppy flowers
Sgraffito with the "winged wheel"
Train services
The following services currently the serve the station:
Montens d'Oosterwijck, Violaine (1996). L'architecture des gares situées sur le tronçon entre La Hulpe et Rhisnes (1854-1926) (in French). Vol. I. Louvain-la-Neuve: Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Faculté de Philosophie et Lettres, Département d'Archéologie et d'Histoire de l'Art.
Des travaux ferroviaires près de chez vous, ligne RER Bruxelles-Louvain-la-Neuve : Genval (plaquette d'information) (in French). Brussels: Infrabel. 2009. p. 25.
