The Villejuif-Gustave Roussy metro station, part of the Grand Paris Express project, has officially opened, marking progress in Paris’ transportation expansion. Designed by architect and urban planner Dominique Perrault, the station stands out for its structural depth and design approach.
The Grand Paris Express: A Transformational Project
The Grand Paris Express is designed to improve connectivity across the Paris metropolitan area, particularly linking suburbs without passing through the city center. By 2030, the project will include 200 km of automated metro lines and 68 stations, making it Europe’s largest ongoing infrastructure project. Villejuif-Gustave Roussy is expected to serve over 100,000 passengers daily, enhancing accessibility for commuters and integrating new urban developments.
Architectural and Structural Design
- The station is built 50 meters below ground, making it one of Europe’s deepest metro stations.
- Its design features an open concrete cylinder with a 70-meter diameter, described by Perrault as an “inverted skyscraper.”
- A transparent double-roof pavilion at street level serves as the station’s only visible element, integrating it with the urban landscape.
- Natural light reaches deep into the structure, improving visibility and spatial perception.
- The open-cylinder layout enhances ventilation and smoke extraction while optimizing heating and cooling efficiency.
- Stainless steel is used in multiple finishes—smooth, mesh, perforated, mirror-polished, and satin—to enhance lighting effects and define spatial zones.
- The first two levels include public spaces, shops, and services, ensuring integration with surrounding developments.
The use of an open, vertical layout shifts traditional underground station design, promoting transparency and reducing the feeling of enclosure. This approach makes the space more welcoming while addressing functional needs such as airflow and natural lighting.
Artistic and Cultural Integration
The Société des Grands Projets (SGP) allocated €35 million for contemporary art installations across all 68 Grand Paris Express stations.
- At Villejuif-Gustave Roussy, Chilean artist Ivan Navarro’s “Cadran Solaire” features neon lights and mirrors arranged to depict a starry sky, contributing to the station’s visual identity.
- The art installations reflect the broader goal of making the metro network not just a means of transport but also an accessible cultural experience for commuters.
Urban Development and Future Impact
The Villejuif-Gustave Roussy station serves the ZAC Campus Grand Parc and the Institut Gustave-Roussy, France’s only oncology biocluster. Future developments in the area will include office spaces and housing, with the station acting as a focal point for growth. The Grand Paris Express aims to connect the city center with the suburbs through transit-oriented development. Improved transport links are expected to attract businesses and residents, supporting the economic growth of surrounding neighborhoods. The station’s integration into the public space sets a standard for future transport infrastructure.
Redefining Public Infrastructure
Villejuif-Gustave Roussy metro station demonstrates how infrastructure can combine function with architectural vision. It challenges conventional underground station design by creating an open, well-integrated space that responds to environmental and urban needs.
- The station’s depth and openness contrast with the traditionally enclosed nature of underground transit hubs.
- The integration of public spaces and art highlights a shift toward user-centered transit environments.
- Sustainable design features, such as natural ventilation and energy-efficient lighting, support long-term operational efficiency.
- The project aligns with the broader strategy of the Grand Paris Express to enhance mobility while reinforcing suburban development.
Conclusion
The Villejuif-Gustave Roussy metro station combines innovative design and sustainability, enhancing connectivity in suburban Paris. As part of the Grand Paris Express, it supports economic growth and urban development, setting a new precedent for future metro stations.
Image source- archdaily.com, designboom.com
