On Thursday, November 28, in the presence of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Riyadh Metro network was officially inaugurated, marking a strategic achievement that will revolutionize urban mobility in the Saudi capital.

The network, consisting of six fully automated lines spanning a total of 176 kilometers, is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the Kingdom and the world.

CREW Cremonesi Workshop srl played a key role in the development of Line 3 (Orange Line), the longest line in the system. CREW's contributions covered several critical areas, including the functional and distributive planning of all Line 3 stations, as well as the preliminary, detailed, and executive architectural, structural, and systems design for two iconic stations: the Western Station, developed in collaboration with Omrania and One Works, and Downtown Station, the site of the inauguration ceremony, designed in joint venture with One Works and Snohetta.

The Downtown Station, also known as Qasr Al Hokm Downtown, is located in the heart of Riyadh and is destined to become a symbol of the city's transformation. It has been designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding urban spaces, serving as a catalyst for their enhancement rather than merely functioning as a transport hub.

The station features an impressive stainless steel canopy with a mirrored finish, providing shade for users entering and exiting the station. Its curvature reflects the station’s interior to the outside and vice versa, creating a dynamic interplay of light and space.

Another distinctive element of the design is the underground conical volume supporting the canopy. This structure, enriched with triangular openings, reinterprets the history and architecture of Saudi Arabia, establishing a strong visual and symbolic connection between the modern metro network and the historical context.

The structural design overcame significant challenges, including excavations reaching depths of approximately 40 meters, supporting beams over 60 meters long, and the cantilevered steel canopy structure.

The Downtown Station also achieved LEED 2009 “Gold” certification, recognizing its adherence to high sustainability standards.

The inauguration of the Riyadh Metro is yet another example of CREW’s excellence in tackling complex multidisciplinary projects, blending innovation, functionality, and sustainability.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the members of our team who, over the past ten years, have contributed with professionalism, determination, and perseverance to making what once seemed unimaginable a reality.