His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the heritage-inspired design of Al Ras and Al Ghubaiba Stations on the Green Line of Dubai Metro. The design is intended to mirror the flavor of the city.
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) said that conceptual design of the two stations focuses on the traditional architectural ingredients used in antique buildings such wind towers, oriel, alleyways, internal arches and others in an advanced setting. Due attention has been given to the aesthetic and technical dimensions of those elements such that the designed stations will look like a natural expansion of old and traditional souks in the locality.
“The design of all elevated / at the grade Dubai Metro stations has been modeled on the shape of the seashell, inspired from the diving and pearl-fishing heritage of the UAE, while the interior design depicts the four elements of nature vis-à-vis water, air, earth and fire. By securing the approval of this heritage design model, RTA has combined in this Project both heritage and modern designs,'' he said.
The architectural design of all metro stations has been tailored to comply with the requirements of public safety and security, clarity, simplicity and minimizing travelling distance to the minimum. Entrances of stations at the ground level will be configured with various transport modes. The circular traffic of passenger in stations will flow in a direct and leveled manner within eyesight reach without having to rely much on directional signs. Due consideration has been given to make the inner space of lounge free from distractions and partitioning as much as possible in order to maintain optical communication. Stations have been designed to be fully equipped with all logistics and facilities needed by mothers with prams, and passengers with shopping bags and other personal belongings.
Elevated stations of Dubai Metro consist of two types; the first is stations with entrances constructed at the grade with elevated platforms. The second type is supported on pillars, where both the lounge and platform are housed in the upper level. Since these stations are situated in locations parallel to highways, they will be accessed from both sides of the road through entrances at the ground level.
Most metro stations are linked with massive air-conditioned footbridges with ample space for the public to cross both sides of Sheikh Zayed Road. These crossings, which are fitted with travelators and top-quality finishing, will revolutionize the culture of pedestrian linking and interacting with the city, and contribute to enhancing the drive towards minimizing the reliance on private vehicles.
The design of stations also responds to the requirements of special needs persons and a complete package of facilities is in place to meet the requirements of all sorts of disability. These include audio-visual aids of direction and display of information for optically and audio-impaired persons. Fittings also include floor markings to ease the mobility of individuals with impaired vision to guide the disabled to gates or places designated for them in carriages. Braille and internal pager systems will also be in use at all locations, as well as escalators and roomy elevators that enable the movement of wheel chairs.
