By Santiago Metro: A Lifeline of Connectivity
The Santiago Metro, inaugurated in 1975, has since expanded to encompass six lines, connecting various parts of the city to the center. In a city marked by inequality and segregation, the Metro serves as a vital public service, bridging the gap between disparate neighborhoods and fostering social integration.
Social Transformation Through Infrastructure
Despite recent social unrest surrounding fare increases, the Metro infrastructure remains a symbol of social integration. The Plaza de Armas Metro Station Building, situated in the city center, plays a pivotal role in this larger narrative, serving as an agent of social transformation, both physically and symbolically.
Urban Intervention Strategy
The project introduces a novel urban intervention strategy by constructing buildings atop Metro stations. This approach aims to preserve the urban fabric, mitigate negative impacts, and position the infrastructure as a generator of public space, seamlessly integrating with the city’s historical fabric and daily life.
Blending Underground Atmosphere with Urban Hall
At street level, the station’s urban hall mirrors the atmosphere of the underground world, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two realms. The structure features two vaults of varying widths, forming a cavernous void reminiscent of an artificial grotto, inviting commuters into the Metro network.
Architectural Elements
The building’s concrete base exudes strength and resilience, symbolizing its ability to withstand the urban environment’s intensity. In contrast, the upper volume comprises delicate components: concrete columns and a double skin of glass and alabaster. This translucent façade allows natural light to permeate the interior while maintaining an opaque exterior appearance.
Illuminating Urban Presence
At dusk, the alabaster facades illuminate from within, transforming the building into an urban beacon. The once-opaque volume becomes a luminous entity, symbolizing the station’s public and open nature, welcoming commuters to participate in the city’s vibrant public life.
Gateway to the City
For thousands of daily commuters, the Plaza de Armas Metro Station serves as the gateway to Santiago’s historic center. As passengers disembark, they are greeted by the station’s architectural marvel, offering a glimpse of the city’s iconic landmarks and inviting them to engage in the bustling urban landscape.
