Town Hall Station in Melbourne, Australia
One of the newest additions to Melbourne's Metro Tunnel project, Town Hall Station, has been praised for its immense scale and cathedral-like atmosphere. Located deep beneath the city's streets, its concourse features eight massive columns that branch
out like trees. The design, a collaboration by Hassell, RSHP, and WW+P, creates a feeling of openness with exceptionally wide platforms and dramatic, 10-metre-high vaulted ceilings clad in copper. It transforms the daily commute into an experience of monumental underground architecture.
Lyon Part-Dieu Station in Lyon, France
After a decade-long transformation, Lyon Part-Dieu is more than just one of Europe's busiest transport hubs; it's a vibrant public space. The redesign by AREP and L'AUC doubled the station's size, but its true success lies in how it now connects surrounding neighbourhoods. Inspired by Lyon's famous hidden passageways, or 'traboules', the new layout improves flow for pedestrians and commuters alike. The project also includes France's largest bicycle parking facility and new public galleries, cementing its role as a key civic landmark.
Colosseo–Fori Imperiali Station in Rome, Italy
Only in Rome could a new metro station double as an archaeological museum. The Colosseo–Fori Imperiali station masterfully integrates ancient history with modern infrastructure. During its construction, significant archaeological remains were discovered and have been incorporated directly into the station's design. As passengers descend to the platforms, they journey through layers of history. An opening inside the station also offers travellers a stunning, unexpected view of the Colosseum itself, connecting the city's present and its storied past.
Monte Sant'Angelo Station in Naples, Italy
A true work of art, the Monte Sant'Angelo Station was designed in collaboration with renowned artist Anish Kapoor. The station is conceived as a massive sculpture that passengers can enter, with two monumental steel entrances that plunge 48 metres underground. Its design is reportedly inspired by local mythology, Dante's Inferno, and the volcanic landscape surrounding Naples. The result is a dramatic, cave-like experience that turns the journey into a powerful artistic encounter, blurring the line between transport and a gallery.
National Museum Station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Reflecting the natural landscape of Saudi Arabia, the National Museum Station in Riyadh features a stone-like exterior designed by the firm Arup that evokes the nearby Tuwaiq Mountain. This rugged, earthy facade creates a powerful contrast with its interior, which features a striking and unexpected blue design. This juxtaposition of exterior and interior is a key feature of its recognition, creating a unique identity that is both rooted in local geography and boldly contemporary. It stands as a gateway to the city's cultural heart.
Western Station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Also located in Riyadh, the Western Station takes its design cues from the region's iconic desert dunes. Designed by Omrania, its structure is defined by long, undulating roofs that create shady public spaces and allow light and air to flow freely. More than just a station, it was conceived as a complete ecosystem for the community. The design incorporates gardens, pedestrian zones for strolling and gathering, shops, and even a mosque, transforming a functional transport hub into a vital and welcoming urban oasis.
LAX/Metro Transit Center in Los Angeles, USA
Connecting Los Angeles International Airport to the city's rail and bus networks, the LAX/Metro Transit Center is a hub designed for the future. Its architecture is notable for its sweeping, sculptural canopies that provide shade and promote natural ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning. Sustainability is at the core of its design, with integrated solar panels expected to cover about half of the building's energy needs. It's a forward-thinking example of how large-scale transport infrastructure can be both beautiful and environmentally conscious.
