The Arriyadh Development Authority [ADA] has selected the winning designs for Riyadh Metro??s three main stations.
These iconic stations will transform Riyadh streets as they become the most visible elements of the city??s new world-class public transport system. By providing tranquil oases for travel, shopping and dining, these stations will place Riyadh Metro at the heart of city life.
The winning designs and architecture consultancies are:
· Gerber Architekten from Germany for Olaya Metro Station
· Snohetta from Norway for Downtown Metro Station (Qasr Al Hokm)
· Zaha Hadid from the United Kingdom for King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station
The winning designs were selected for their outstanding conceptual thinking and powerful design. Each of the stations creates a modern landmark for the city, as well as supporting the technical requirements of Riyadh Metro.
The winning entries in detail:
Olaya Metro Station
The ADA appointed Gerber Architekten from Germany to design Riyadh Metro??s main station at the intersection of Metro Lines 1 and 2. The station will be located between Olaya Street and King Fahad Road, close to the Kingdom Tower and King Abdullah Road.
The station design creates a new public plaza integrated within an iconic city-centre development. Inside the station, a large, open entrance hall allows visitors to see across all four storeys of the building, including the two metro lines, a mezzanine level with shops and food halls, and an open concourse housing the ticket barriers.
Downtown Main Station (Qasr Al Hokm)
Snohetta from Norway has been appointed to design the main Downtown station at the intersection of Al Madinah Al Munnawarah Street and King Faisal Street, in the Al Doho quarter. The station will serve as a transfer point between Metro Lines 1 and 3, as well as integrating with the bus network, like all the main stations.
The Downtown station design is a model of sustainable development, with a large canopy creating a shaded plaza and allowing natural light to filter to the underground concourse. The station also respectfully houses Eid Mosque at the south-west corner.
KAFD Main Station
Zaha Hadid from the United Kingdom has been appointed to design the main station at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), at the intersection of Metro Lines 4 and 6. The station is situated at the eastern edge of the district, close to the Northern Ring Road and just west of King Fahad Road.
Inside and out, the design replicates soft, fluid wave forms, creating an impressive aesthetic whilst also minimising solar gain [heat transfer]. Geometric latticework covers the building facade, creating a modern twist on the Mashrabiya found in traditional Arabic architecture.
