Qasr Al-Hokm Metro Station Receives International Recognition

The Riyadh Metro hub, which opened earlier this year, is one of seven passenger stations competing for the label ‘world’s most beautiful’ as the Prix Versailles Award is being presented on December 4th in Paris.

Situated in the heart of old Riyadh, the Al-Daho District, the station is one of four iconic and central hubs in the completely new Riyadh Metro system, which counts a total of 85 stations across six lines. Qasr Al-Hokm, which features a large polished stainless-steel canopy that visually links the station’s levels, is one of seven station shortlisted for the Prix Versailles Award for exceptional architectural design in the passenger station category.

The international award, presented under the patronage of UNESCO and the International Chamber of Commerce, annually honors outstanding architecture in travel infrastructure, highlighting projects that combine functionality with aesthetic excellence.

Inspired by historic district

Designed in collaboration with One Works and Crew, the station connects two lines of Riyadh’s new metro network and plays a pivotal role in revitalizing the historic Al-Qiri district. The design draws inspiration from the historic urban fabric of the city while integrating modern infrastructure, creating a civic landmark that is both functional and culturally significant.

While allowing people on the public plaza above ground to glimpse the metro lines below, and passengers underground to look up toward the city at street level, the canopy simultaneously channels natural light into the station and provides shade to the surrounding pedestrian plaza.

Sustainability at the core

The station incorporates a range of green building and sustainability features, including energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, natural lighting and ventilation to reduce energy consumption, the use of sustainable materials in its construction, and a central area adorned with indoor plants to enhance air quality.

Among the other nominated stations are the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, also part of the Riyadh Metro network.

 

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Qasr AlHokm Metro Station
The Qasr Al Hokm Metro Station in Riyadh is connecting two of the lines in the city's brand-new metro network, which links key districts, and will reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality. Reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable urban living, the station will play a pivotal role ...
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Facts

  • Typologies: Public Space, Infrastructure
  • Status: Completed
  • Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Client: the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)
  • Collaborators: One Works, Crew 

 

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Credit: Royal Commission Riyadh City

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Ida Halvorsen Kemp

Ida Halvorsen Kemp

Marketing Communication Manager, Snøhetta Oslo

 

 

 

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