Riyadh, a city with a population of 7.6 million residents spanning 1554 km², is undergoing a transformative journey led by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, to modernize the Kingdom and establish Riyadh as a cultural and economic hub. As part of the Riyadh Public Transport Project (RPTP), the Riyadh Metro is set to become one of the world’s largest public transport projects. Comprising six lines and 85 stations, covering a total distance of 175 kilometers, it will seamlessly connect the city center, the airport, and the financial district. A Spanish consortium secured the construction and concession of three metro lines, making it the largest international contract ever awarded in the Spanish construction sector.
As a consortium member, Ayesa has been entrusted with the detailed design of two elevated stations at King Khaled International Airport, part of the new metro’s yellow line, with an impressive platform length of 70 meters. This line will connect King Khaled International Airport with the new King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
The objective is to create a design that flawlessly integrates modern aesthetics with traditional elements, symbolizing the Kingdom’s commitment to modernization and sustainable infrastructure. With extensive experience in metro projects and station design, particularly elevated stations with intermodal and urban connections, Ayesa excels in delivering functional, efficient, and visually appealing designs. The detailed design process encompasses crucial aspects, including optimal layout and space planning to accommodate passenger flows and operational requirements.
Structural design ensures stability and safety, while architectural design harmonizes with the surrounding urban context. Platform design prioritizes passenger comfort, safety, and efficient boarding and alighting. Mechanical and electrical systems are meticulously designed for ventilation, lighting, power distribution, and communication. Accessibility features cater to passengers with disabilities, and safety and security measures are integrated.
Additionally, we focus on seamless integration with the surroundings, adherence to sustainable design principles, operational efficiency, and passenger flow optimization to ensure smooth passenger flows, efficient boarding and alighting of trains, and seamless intermodal connections with buses, trams, or taxis. To ensure successful project execution, Ayesa leverages various cutting-edge technology, including BIM (Building Information Modeling 2D to 8D).
British Standards were used for calculations and our team employed specialized software to analyze passenger dynamics. BIM methodology is implemented from the initial design stage, enabling seamless coordination among disciplines such as architecture, engineering, and construction. By incorporating BIM into our construction projects, Ayesa brings numerous benefits to the station design process. BIM manages project data throughout its life cycle using advanced three-dimensional infrastructure modeling software, encompassing structural geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, component quantities and properties, inventories, and even project budgeting. This implementation significantly reduces time and resource wastage, mitigates the risk of errors, and minimizes associated costs across all project phases, from design to construction.
Ayesa’s unwavering commitment to sustainability is further reinforced through BIM, as it enables efficient planning and design, ultimately leading to positive environmental impacts in urban areas. The creation of an iconic structure for the new elevated metro stations at King Khaled International Airport, will showcase the progressive and forward-thinking vision of the city and the nation.
Overall, the project’s benefits include improved public transportation, environmental sustainability, increased capacity and efficiency, economic growth, iconic representation, and technological advancement. These advantages contribute to the overall development and well-being of the Riyadh community, fostering a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous urban environment.
