Sofia Metro Station (line 1), Bulgaria

Location: Sofia, Bulgaria

Building Area: 5,000 sqm

This project is the new Station 20 of Sofia Metro Line 1, connecting the nearby historic city and the modern capital center. The design creates an underground space that inspires urban creativity and vitality. Our design goal is to seek a common relationship between the underground space and Obikolna Street. The protruding skylights of the metro station resemble a ridge line, separating the left and right lanes. To achieve higher daylighting efficiency during the day, the designers used a supporting structure of white concrete to support high-angled glass skylights on both sides. Sunlight can penetrate the skylights directly, warming and illuminating the entire platform. The design incorporates natural light as a design element, allowing passengers to bask in warm natural light while waiting for the train.

This design unifies the above-ground and underground spaces, with a geometric shape that is intricately carved. The transparency of the glass enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. During the day, sunlight can penetrate through the glass into the underground platform, and at night, the illuminated lights inside the station also light up the external environment, becoming part of the street scene.