Riyadh Metro Western station opens with desert dune design

Riyadh Metro Western station has opened on the Orange Line. It completes the set of stations delivered by Webuild on the automated Line 3. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The station entered service on May 15. Webuild built it as part of the Arriyadh New Mobility consortium. The consortium also includes L&T, Nesma, Hitachi and Alstom. The company said the concept is based on ‘a contemporary interpretation of the Saudi landscape’.

Orange Line 3 station scope

Western is an infill station. It is the final one in Webuild’s 22-station Orange Line 3 scope. The automated line is 41 km long.

The 112 000 m² metro interchange brings several functions into one site. It includes a 17 000 m² elevated metro station and a bus terminal. The site also has underground parking with more than 600 spaces. In addition, it includes 15 00 m² of retail space. A 1 000 m² mosque and public square are also part of the interchange.

According to Webuild, the station’s design draws on the colours and forms of desert sand dunes. Also, horizontal structures rise from the ground to define the entrances. They guide natural light into the internal areas and provide shaded spaces.

Desert dune design and sustainability criteria

The roofs are supported by two large arches. They span 115 m and rise 24 m. Webuild described the structure as ‘creating a monumental structure that blends into the urban landscape rather than standing out as an isolated object.’

The station was designed according to LEED Gold sustainability criteria. Webuild said high-efficiency equipment was used to reduce water and energy consumption. Self-generated renewable energy was used for the same purpose, including during construction.

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