Commissioned by Qatar Railways and designed with UNS, the first phase of the project includes 37 stations across three metro lines (Red, Green, and Gold), forming one of the world’s most advanced driverless metro systems.
The Doha Metro Network aims to shift the city’s reliance on cars by offering a fast, sustainable, and reliable alternative. The station designs play a pivotal role in this transformation, using urban design principles to create public spaces that enhance the pedestrian experience and encourage new habits for the community. Each station serves as a recognisable landmark, fostering a sense of identity while providing safe passage across busy intersections for all residents, not just metro users.
The design concept draws inspiration from Caravanserais, historic gathering places along trade routes, reinterpreting them as social hubs that promote interaction and placemaking. The Vaulted Spaces design references traditional Qatari architecture, such as arches, dhow sails, and nomadic tents, while incorporating modern structural and lighting innovations. The Oyster-inspired interiors feature a radiant mother-of-pearl effect, contrasting with the monolithic exteriors, creating a luminous and uplifting atmosphere.
A comprehensive Architectural Branding Manual ensures a coherent identity across all stations while allowing for modular adaptability. Using parametric design, the system accommodates local contextual differences, optimising factors like daylight, passenger flows, and wayfinding. This approach balances flexibility and consistency, enabling efficient construction while maintaining a unified network identity.
The design creates three scales of identity: network, line, and station. This layered approach integrates functional and technical aspects into a cohesive architectural expression, making the Doha Metro a global benchmark for public transportation.
The Doha Metro Network is more than a transit system—it’s a catalyst for urban transformation, blending culture, innovation, and sustainability to shape the future of mobility in Qatar.