RIYADH – Zaha Hadid Architects are designing a new metro station in Riyadh which has a unique, undulating facade that mimics the daily flow of traffic of the capital's 5 million residents. The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station will become a focal point for the city, not only as a hub for commuters, but also as a celebrated public space. The design places the station at the center of a network of pathways, skybridges and metro lines envisaged by the KAFD master plan. The resulting configuration is a three-dimensional lattice defined by a sequence of opposing sine-waves which act as the spine for circulation around the building. These sine-waves are extended to the station's envelope so that the concept is also visible externally. The KAFD is scheduled to be completed by 2017 and will help ease the traffic congestion in the area. The 20,434 sq m metro station will serve as a key interchange on the network for Line 1, as well as the terminus of Line 4 and Line 6 of the new Riyadh metro. The metro station will feature six platforms. Zaha Hadid Architects said: “The project extends beyond the simple station typology to emphasize the building's importance as a dynamic, multi-functional public space; not only an intermediate place perceived through quick transitions, but also a dramatic public space for the city.” — SG
