The new line project consists of a fifteen kilometre extension, of which approximately twelve kilometres is above ground and three kilometres underground. The extension of the metro has seven stations including the interchange at Jebel Ali and the flagship metro station at the Expo 2020 Exhibition site.
Branching from the existing Red Line and connecting with the Expo 2020 site, the project offered a number of unique lighting challenges. As part of the design team dpa were responsible for the design, and specification of architectural lighting to the Interiors, Façades and Landscape of all six new and one interchange stations.
Earth, Fire, Water & Air are the guiding principles that inform not only the lighting design of the new line stations but also dictate the architectural language of the new development. Lighting design for the stations was developed alongside the architectural, interior design and engineering teams to enhance the key principles inherent in the original metro concept whilst also maintaining and developing a unique night time identity for the newly commissioned line.
Subtle and contextual lighting interventions were to sit alongside more dynamic and characterful areas in order to balance and contrast the approach to illumination.
In particular the canopy of the Expo station presented a unique opportunity to announce the station and its arrival plazas within an often congested illuminated environment. A subtle, sophisticated yet simple approach to the illumination of the canopy celebrates the unique colour, contrast, form and texture of this iconic architectural intervention.
The project represents a rare opportunity to evolve and enhance the after dark identity of Dubai’s critical public transport network, helping to provide cost effective and efficient transit options to wide sections of the local community.
This iconic project was ceremonially inaugurated by H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai in July 2020 and became fully operational in the early part of 2021.
