Snøhetta Caps Riyadh's Metro With a Reflective Architectural Halo

In the historic centre of Riyadh, Norwegian studio Snøhetta transforms Qasr AlHokm Metro Station with a new centrepiece. Designed as an open plaza, the project features a highly polished, stainless-steel curved canopy that hovers above ground, plunging into the deep station below it.

The mirrored structure expands the surrounding square by reflecting its contents in a panoramic view, providing shade for those above ground while reflecting daylight into the underground layers below it.

As visitors make the slow descent into the metro station beneath, the air cools as they reach 35 meters below city level. Here, a vast and blooming garden thrives, maintaining air circulation while keeping the temperatures significantly cooler - offering commuters a much-needed moment of calm, particularly during Riyadh’s scorching summers.

Materially and formally, the station draws from its context. Patterned walls reinterpret traditional Najdi motifs through a series of carved windows, filtering light while connecting the contemporary design to historical features. Outside, a long wall offers local artists a public installation space. Made from hundreds of panels, lighting fixtures, and display units, the “media art wall” offers a space for local artists to converge.