Architecture, art and design of the Metro
Read about the concept behind the capital's metro stations here
Part of the city
Metro stations are user-friendly and easy to get to and from. They blend naturally into their surroundings, clearly signalling ‘Metro’, and are characterised by simplicity and tightness of lines.
High-level stations
14 of the Metro's 44 stations are located above ground. They consist of a glass and steel structure located between the two track structures. The stations are designed as a light, almost floating structure that does not dominate the landscape. There are tracks on both sides of the platform and automatic platform doors that prevent access to the rails.
Station rooms are illuminated by daylight
The Metro's underground stations
As many as 30 of the Metro's stations are underground and don't look like much from street level. The area around the underpass is mostly perceived as an open space in the urban environment. However, the characteristic glass pyramids and skylights are visible, as is a four-metre high glass and steel lift. At a number of the underground stations, there are also tall stands with a luminous Metro logo showing the way to the Metro.
Natural light in the stations
Through the glass pyramids and skylights that can be seen in the station square, daylight is channelled into the underground station space. Daylight is amplified by reflectors, and on sunny days the prisms of the glass pyramids disperse the sunlight and send beams of light into the station room. If there is not enough sunlight, artificial light is used to supplement it.
Station rooms underground
The station space is designed with smooth passenger flow in mind
Escalators and lifts
In most stations, there are four escalators in the lobby, two up from the platform and two down to the platform. The escalators are centrally located on the platforms to ensure the best possible passenger flow, where passengers can easily and quickly distribute themselves on the platforms. The lobby also provides access to the lifts, which are reserved for passengers with walking difficulties or passengers with prams or bicycles.
Glass doors on the platform
A glass wall separates the platform from the tracks at the tunnel stations, preventing access to the rails. When the train stops at the platform, doors in the wall open at the same time as the doors in the train. Therefore, there is no risk of falling out onto the tracks.
Bicycle cellar
At many of the underground metro stations, it is possible to park your bike in dry weather. From here you can also access the station's vestibule.
Station squares
Station squares are simple and functional
Stairways
From street level, two staircases lead down to the station room. The stairs are clad with grey granite on both steps and walls. Some underground stations have a circular staircase.
Metro information pillar
At the staircase entrance to the underground stations on the M1 and M2 is a five-metre high metro pillar. The pillar is visible from a distance and signals that there is a metro station here. On the column's electronic display you can read operational information and get an overview of the stations on the two metro lines.
Ventilation houses
The underground stations are ventilated via a 3.7 metre high ventilation housing made of glass and steel. Like the skylights, the ventilation house is also visible from the station square.
Smoke-free escape route
The skylights, which direct light into the station room, also serve another function. The skylights can be raised 60 centimetres, which in case of fire will ensure smoke-free escape routes underground.