Designer: Fosters+Partners
A 450 kilometer-long (280-mile) rail link connecting Saudi Arabia‘s major cities Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City has been completed by Foster and Partners who designed the four stations.
Inspired by the ancient architectural traditions of the region, the stations that comprise the Haramain high-speed railway provide a shaded retreat from the sun while creating a new infrastructural spine for the country.
The stations were built by using a modular approach, as Foster and Partners adopted consistent design elements throughout the four stations. The modular system means that each station could be designed to fit its site and that in the future the grid can be extended to increase capacity. The steel columns and arches form freestanding structural trees that are repeated on a square grid and connect to form a flexible vaulted roof — a gesture that references the colonnades found in much of the region’s traditional architecture. the vaults in each station are of a different color, responding to the identity of the different cities.
As the stations must serve up to 20,000 passengers per hour, the arrangement of spaces follows the direction of travel and helps passengers navigate the stations intuitively, they are essentially designed to offer a unified appearance to between 60 million and 135 million passengers anticipated to use the high-speed line each year. With trains running at a maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour (186mph) it will take 2 hours and 20 minutes to travel between Makkah and Madinah. operations will begin with 35 trains that can carry up to 417 passengers each. All of the stations have been designed so that they maintain low ambient temperatures without the need for using mechanical cooling. Large fans and misting devices have also been installed on the platforms to keep this area cool. The vaulted roof and walls contain small openings that draw beams of daylight down to the concourse level, carefully controlling the intense glare from the sun and creating a calm, atmospheric and well-lit environment that can provide a respite from the country’s heat.
As the design and construction of the stations were carried out independently from the civil works and track installation, the stations were designed, and workflows planned, to allow civil works to continue in parallel. in addition to operational and structural flexibility, the stations also offer seamless connections to other intracity transport networks, particularly as Foster and Partners also designing the Jeddah metro system, which will connect to the high-speed station in the city.
Source: Arch20
The conceptual architectural design phase is not merely a preliminary step in the design process; it’s a crucible where ideas are forged into tangible forms. At this stage, architects embark on a conceptual architectural design journey of exploration and innovation, seeking to encapsulate the essence of their vision in a cohesive conceptual framework. This conceptual […]
Wall Moulding Design is a great way to amp up your space and elevate the overall look of your home. There are a wide range of moulding designs that can add a distinct character to your space. Wall moulding design comes from different kinds of materials, such as PVC, plaster, wood, etc. The right choice […]
Welcome to the stately Ivy Lane Estate, a distinguished colonial house nestled along the enchanting thoroughfare of Ivy Lane. This splendid property stands as a testament to the grandeur of a bygone era. A Colonial House Nestled Along The Enchanting Thoroughfare Of Ivy Lane | Furbishy It boasts a symphony of architectural marvels and an […]
Ar. Deep Sakhare, the founder of Barakhadee Studio, shares his passion for architecture and design which entwines with the admiration for travelling. Barakhadee Studio is an architectural and interior design studio, founded by Ar. Deep Sakhare in the city of Pune in Maharashtra. The firm focuses on approaching every project with a new perspective and […]
Different types of balcony, with their ability to extend indoor living spaces into the open air, have become an essential feature of architectural design. Across the globe, architects and designers have embraced different types of balcony as a means to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of buildings. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve […]
Indie Tales, a 2 story house design in Pondicherry stays true to its identity stands apart with its unparalleled charm amidst a narrow conservative neighborhood. This abode embraces a quiet reflection of modern lifestyle and traditional nuances within a limited budget for an intimate family of 5 across 3 generations. The residence evolves as an […]
Surrounded by lush greenery, this aesthetic home was designed to maximize natural light and outdoor views, resulting in a welcoming and airy atmosphere. Our latest project, ‘The Tranquil Home’ in Ahmedabad, is a stunning 5500 sq. ft bungalow that truly embodies the style and preferences of our client. This Aesthetic Home Was Designed To Maximize […]
This renovated triplex house design is a celebration of light. It is within the tranquil confines of the esteemed Maytas Hill County in Hyderabad. This further boasts a sophisticated design characterized by a harmonious blend of neutral materials and earthy hues. The understated elegance of this contemporary triplex house design exudes a sense of minimalism […]
The site of this south east facing house is next to an old house of the client’s parents. There are few farmlands and plenty of trees – neem and tamarind trees, surrounding the site area. This South East Facing House Is Next To An Old House Of The Client’s Parents | RP Architects Design Strategy […]
Ar. Anup Murdia and Ar. Sandeep Jain, the founders of Design Inc. share their journey of embarking architecture with the passion for understanding spaces. Design Inc. is an architectural firm situated in Udaipur, founded by Ar. Anup Murdia and Ar. Sandeep Jain in 2011. The firm believes in creating spaces with overall understanding of certainties […]