Prolific architects, Snøhetta, has designed the Qasr Al Hokm Metro Station in Riyadh into a parable of place, tradition and modern public design. At the centre of the design is a striking reflective canopy that serves as the project’s architectural and climatic anchor. Hovering above the station’s entrances and public plaza, the expansive mirrored canopy moderates the harsh desert sun while visually dissolving into the sky. Its reflective surface reduces heat gain by bouncing sunlight away from gathering areas below, significantly lowering ambient temperatures in a region where shade is essential to public life. The mirrored underside also creates a dynamic visual experience, capturing fragments of movement, light and a dramatic panoramic reflective view of the surrounding cityscape. “When you come off the train and look up, you see a 360-degree view of the city reflected on the underside of the canopy. So, you get an immediate picture of where you are in the city. Likewise, if you're coming from the city, you look up into the canopy, and it mirrors everything that happens below” explains Robert Greenwood, the project lead.
The canopy’s geometry is carefully engineered to allow filtered daylight to reach the ground plane, preventing glare while maintaining brightness. Openings and layered structural elements support airflow, encouraging natural ventilation across the plaza. In doing so, the canopy performs as both urban landmark and passive cooling device.
Beyond its environmental function, the reflective plane amplifies the public realm. It visually expands the space, fostering a sense of openness and civic presence while anchoring the station within Riyadh’s evolving skyline.
