The winning entry for a 10,000 sq m high speed railway station in Kénitra, Morocco has been unveiled by Paris-based Silvio d’Ascia Architecture with Omar Kobité Architecture & Eric Giudice Architects. The trio of practices was awarded first place in the competition to design a new station facility with associated retail amenities.
Two principal access points have been incorporated into the design, providing pedestrian access from the Place du 11 janvier to the north and a forested entranceway to the south by the Place de la Maamora. Externally the station volume is enshrouded in an elaborate grid framework comprised of a repetitive sequence of triangles. This framework references the geometric patterns often found in vernacular Moroccan architecture and, while offering aesthetic promise to the design, also acts as a shading measure in the strong sunlight. Sustainable systems have also been incorporated into the grid, including rainwater recovery equipment and ventilation systems to reduce the energy demands of the station.
The main volume of the station takes a U-shape with a ‘grand passerelle’ (elevated bridge) leading to all train platforms. Passengers access this bridge via escalators from the ground floor where a central ticket office and boutique spaces will be found. Dotted across the ‘grand passerelle’ will be a mix of shops, kiosks and waiting areas for those wishing to purchase refreshments or await an arriving train in comfort.
Source: World Architecture News
