King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station,
designed by Zaha Hadid Architects
British architectural studio Zaha Hadid Architects has designed a metro station that is part of the world's longest fully automated urban transportation system. The facility is located in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD for short) in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The station is a key interchange in a network of more than 176 kilometers of routes and 85 stations, serving up to 3.6 million passengers a day.
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) metro station in Riyadh - an aerial view of the structure
Photo: Hufton + Crow © Zaha Hadid Architects
transportation hub
in the heart of Riyadh
The building was designed as a multifunctional transportation center that integrates six platforms spread over four floors. They provide connections to local bus lines, park-and-ride lots and the KAFD monorail, which is accessed by a glass footbridge. This arrangement allows convenient transfers between different modes of transportation.
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) metro station in Riyadh
Photo: Hufton + Crow © Zaha Hadid Architects
modern form
inspired by local heritage
The station's facade, made of concrete panels, was designed as a dynamic structure with flowing, undulating forms reminiscent of a network formed from rhythmic "sine waves." These geometric shapes not only decorate the facade, but also reduce the heating of the interior, promoting the building's energy efficiency. The design alludes to natural phenomena, such as the patterns created by wind on desert sand dunes, which emphasizes the building's connection to the local environmental context.
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) metro station in Riyadh - the building's facade is distinguished by flowing lines
Photo: Hufton + Crow © Zaha Hadid Architects
At ground level, glazed arches, harmoniously integrated into the curved form of the facade, act as entrances to the building. As a result, the interior of the station is naturally illuminated, which promotes user comfort and emphasizes the openness of the space.
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) metro station in Riyadh - a close-up view of the building's braided facade
Photo: Hufton + Crow © Zaha Hadid Architects
interior space
- functional and aesthetically pleasing
The interior of the station is a spacious, bright hall, where the braided facade serves as a source of natural light and a decorative element. The space is enriched by white concrete panels, floors with patterned finishes and details in shades of gold.
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) metro station in Riyadh - the interior of the station is a spacious, bright hall
Photo: Hufton + Crow © Zaha Hadid Architects
energy efficiency
and user comfort
The building was designed with passive strategies and a cooling system powered by renewable energy, which allows for efficient temperature management with minimal environmental impact. What's more, the station has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the US Green Building Council, confirming its high environmental and comfort standards.
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) metro station in Riyadh - braided facades act as a source of natural light
Photo: Hufton + Crow © Zaha Hadid Architects
The project also includes public spaces - indoor and outdoor plazas - that enrich the functionality of the station, making it not only a transfer point, but also a welcoming place for residents and visitors.
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) metro station in Riyadh - a bird's eye view of the station and its surroundings
Photo: Hufton + Crow © Zaha Hadid Architects
The KAFD metro station is an example of an innovative design approach in which modern architecture blends harmoniously with the local context, responding to the needs of Saudi Arabia's rapidly growing capital.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.
