Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the new King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will serve as a key interchange on the new Riyadh Metro network for Line 1 and the terminus of Line 4 and Line 6.
The 45,000-sm complex will include four above ground levels and two below ground (car parking) and will be integrated within the urban context of the financial district. The most striking feature of the new metro station is the façade, meant to represent patterns generated by desert winds.
Courtesy ZHA.
The façade is design-engineered by Newtecnic to reduce solar gain and produce air currents that help cool the building. The firm’s research team had to develop new algorithms to achieve this level of performance. Additionally, Newtecnic had to invent new adjustable building components and fixing methods for the structure’s self-supporting, 650-foot-long concrete-composite walls and roof.
The result of this world-first-façade and the new techniques used to create it is an undulating, futuristic building that will be delivered for the price of a more traditional structure and last twice as long.
Courtesy ZHA.
The KAFD Metro Hub is designed to support Riyadh’s expected 50% growth over the coming years and is part of a new citywide transport system that comprises six metro line, 85 stations, and more than 100 miles of track.
BACS Consortium is the general contractor for the project, which is slated for completion in 2018.
Courtesy ZHA.
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Jan 29, 2016
TRANSIT SECTOR GIANTS: Perkins+Will, Skanska among top transit/TOD facility AEC firms
BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest transit/TOD sector design and construction firms, as reported in the 2015 Giants 300 Report
Transit Facilities | Jan 18, 2016
Pennsylvania Station set to transform into a world-class transportation hub
Governor Andrew Cuomo presented plans to turn Pennsylvania Station and the neighboring James A. Farley Post Office into a free flowing 21st century work of art.
| Jan 14, 2016
How to succeed with EIFS: exterior insulation and finish systems
This AIA CES Discovery course discusses the six elements of an EIFS wall assembly; common EIFS failures and how to prevent them; and EIFS and sustainability.
Transit Facilities | Sep 15, 2015
Grimshaw and Arup unveil proposal for London high-speed train station
Renderings that have been released show a glazed façade and a new entrance that will create a “light and airy destination with shops, restaurants, and cafes.”
Transit Facilities | Sep 10, 2015
New London Underground plan from NBBJ consists of moving walkway
For once, walking can be faster than taking a train.
Transit Facilities | Jul 30, 2015
Snøhetta designs ring-shaped cable car station in Italian Alps
In Snøhetta’s design, two cylindrical rings embedded into the existing topography, each at different elevations, will be connected by a cable car. During the minute-long cable car journey, passengers can enjoy views of the city and of the Italian Alps.
Sponsored | Transit Facilities | Jun 15, 2015
Success through teamwork for landmark California project
The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) is the Grand Central Station of the future
Transit Facilities | Jun 9, 2015
BIG releases golden-roof plan for transport hub in Swedish city
“Like a continuous thin sheet, the roof is gently lifted at its four corners, wrapping the city's vehicular infrastructure in multiple layers of public program and urban spaces,” said Ingels.
Glass and Glazing | Jun 4, 2015
Construction of record breaking glass-bottom bridge nearly complete in China
Designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan, the white bridge is meant to look as if it is “disappearing into the clouds.”
Fire and Life Safety | May 27, 2015
7 bold applications and innovations for fire and life safety
BD+C’s roundup features colorful sprinklers for offices, hotels, museums; a fire-rated curtain wall at a transit hub in Manhattan; a combination CO/smoke detector; and more.
