Zaha Hadid Architects’ King Abdullah Metro Station Opens in Riyadh

The newly opened King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, designed by the acclaimed Zaha Hadid Architects, is now operational. This sculptural station serves as more than a transit hub, playing a vital role within Riyadh's driverless transit system, which is considered the longest in the world with a span of 176 kilometres across six lines and 85 stations. 

The station’s façade, a striking wave of pale greige concrete, is crafted from ultra-high-performance concrete panels adorned with geometric perforations that reduce solar gain. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the structure reimagines traditional architecture, evoking the organic patterns shaped by desert dunes. This fusion of art and function creates a balanced feel of grandeur with practical sustainability, offering both shelter and environmental efficiency. 

The station's interior circulation is carefully crafted through a dynamic three-dimensional lattice structure, with slanted columns rising from the ground to form the building's central spine. Inspired by opposing sine-waves, this undulating design fosters a fluid rhythm that directs user movement, amplifying both the flow and overall experience within the space. 

Designed to serve 3.6 million passengers daily, the Riyadh Metro, led by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), is a groundbreaking urban initiative. It aims to alleviate traffic congestion, promote sustainable transportation, and decrease dependence on cars in the rapidly expanding city. 

Nestled within the King Abdullah Financial District, this station serves as a link between the district’s terminus and King Khalid International Airport, while also offering access to the KAFD monorail skybridge. Featuring both indoor and outdoor plazas, the design fosters dynamic public spaces, enhancing the vibrancy of the surrounding area. 

Photography Credit: Hufton + Crow Photography