Curated by ArchiRev Editorial | Feature Story | Published April 21st, 2026| Source: Snøhetta
Typologies: Public Space, Infrastructure
Status: Completed
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Client: Royal Commission Riyadh City (RCRC)
Collaborators: Crew, One Works
Size: 20,000 m2, 8 underground levels
Certification: Green Building
Rating System: LEED 2009 Gold Certification
Photos: Iwan Baan
The Qasr Al Hokm metro station represents a new layer of circulation in Riyadh and is located at an intersection of two major lines of the city’s expanding metro system. As the project is located within a historic centre, it goes beyond providing simple infrastructure by creating a civic space that connects neighbourhoods and alleviates the demands of a rapidly expanding population. The Qasr Al Hokm Station serves both a functional and urban purpose by providing a location where people can gather to socialize, meet and exchange goods and services, and interact freely in public space.
Station in relation to the area’s historic context of the city © Snøhetta
As one enters the Qasr Al Hokm metro station, one will find an open plaza at grade level. The plaza is defined by a large stainless-steel canopy that serves as both a means of shelter and a means to differentiate the space from other buildings in the area. The underside of the canopy has a mirror/smooth finish that functions to reflect the city to those inside the station and allows for natural daylight to be transferred to the area below. The reflective quality of the canopy creates a constant visual connection between the interior of the station and the exterior while also providing shaded areas of the public space below.
This site is situated in the historical area surrounding the former royal palace and traditional adobe buildings. The major Eid prayer field designed for large crowds is located directly next to the piped-in space, resulting in a large plaza area that can accommodate this use. Additionally, the use of an uninterrupted surface (a single-piece stone tile) across the entire area creates a unified space that can be described as a common public space for both the mosque and the central plaza, as well as an outdoor area (the plaza and surrounding areas) that can serve as an outdoor extension of the mosque.
Plaza with reflective canopy above © Snøhetta
The canopy consists of a precise structural system. The exterior of the canopy consists of 8mm double-curvature stainless-steel panels, each welded and polished to create an uninterrupted exterior finish. The canopy is built on a lightweight steel space frame, with adjustable tie rods, enabling an extension of the canopy beyond the “base” of the canopy (which is a large cone). The interior walls of the canopy are all sloped; therefore, they are finished with an indented/painted surface relative to traditional forms of architecture as defined by the overall form of the canopy.
Canopy structure and steel detailing © Snøhetta
The station has been designed to provide clear visual connections throughout; for instance, there are two train lines above ground that run through transparent tunnels, which help to make circulation easy to see while adding a strong visual element as well. The platforms are enclosed within large glass boxes that project out into the central atrium so that passengers can see the atrium from their platform as they arrive or leave the station.
At the base of the atrium, there is an underground garden that provides a different kind of experience. It will be located about 35 meters below ground level and offer a cool, shaded environment. It will be connected to both train lines as well as transfer levels. The garden will use collected water from the roof and plaza area to support its environment, which links the environmental strategy to the spatial experience.
Glass train tubes cross through the atrium © Snøhetta
Material articulation reinforces the relationship between tradition and contemporary design. The inner atrium walls are defined by patterned openings inspired by Najdi motifs, formed through 326 triangular carvings that filter light and create visual connections across the space. Surrounding the concrete cone, a continuous media wall extends for more than 100 meters, composed of 879 integrated panels combining lighting, acoustic, and video elements. This installation introduces a dynamic yet controlled visual layer, supporting orientation while contrasting with the movement of trains and passengers.
Patterned walls and media facade © Snøhetta
Through the integration of structure, program, and public space, Qasr Al Hokm Metro Station operates as both a transport hub and a civic landmark. It connects infrastructure with context, creating a place where movement, environment, and collective use are brought into a unified architectural expression.
