This view was taken from the roof of the Bundestag. With reunification, Germany voted to move their national capitol back to Berlin. This comittment meant the country was prepared to spend whatever was necessary to bring the infrastructure of the city (and all of the former East Germany) up to the standard of the rest of the country. The importance of rail is emphasised by the relationship of Lehrter Station to the center of German government.
When the entire project is completed, sometime in 2006, it still won't be complete. The "bookend" buildings have been postponed, due to a weak office market. Still without them, the station is quite a sight.