South Sanlin Station: A New Vision for Urban Transportation Architecture

Integrating Infrastructure with Nature

South Sanlin Station, a key part of the Shanghai Airport Link, is redefining urban transportation architecture by blending transit infrastructure with ecological design. Situated on the east side of the Huangpu River, this station transforms the conventional perception of metro stations by merging seamlessly with the surrounding green corridor. Designed by TJAD Original Design Studio, the station moves beyond its primary function of transit to become an integral component of the urban landscape.

The design is guided by the concept of "Meandering In Forest," where the built form dissolves into the natural setting. The station extends the northern woodland, integrating ecological patches that unify infrastructure with the environment. This approach eliminates the rigid boundaries between transportation hubs and green urban spaces, fostering a park-like station model that prioritizes pedestrian experience and environmental harmony.

Redefining the Role of Metro Stations

Urban transportation architecture is often characterized by sterile, utilitarian spaces, but South Sanlin Station reimagines the metro station as a vibrant urban asset. The landscape-driven design incorporates an artificial forest on the south side of the natural woodland, creating a continuous green link between the station and the city. The roof functions as a three-dimensional floating island park, offering spaces for relaxation and social engagement.

Strategically positioned ventilation shafts and cooling towers are integrated into the landscape with green slopes and flower borders, ensuring that technical infrastructure elements do not disrupt the visual and ecological continuity of the site. The overlapping layers of greenery, plazas, and pathways establish a network that connects the station to the broader urban fabric.

Architecture that Responds to the Site

South Sanlin Station embraces a localized design approach rather than a standardized, one-size-fits-all model. The architectural form emerges from the landscape, creating a multi-layered floating island effect. The diamond-shaped modules of the station entrances, emergency exits, and ventilation systems contribute to a cohesive architectural identity while minimizing the perceived scale of the structure.

A key structural innovation is the use of tree-shaped columns that distribute vertical loads, enhancing the openness of the underground concourse. These columns, inspired by the surrounding forest, create an organic spatial experience while improving the station’s structural efficiency. The lightweight spindle-shaped framework ensures a seamless transition between underground and aboveground spaces, reinforcing the design’s fluidity.

A Socially Inclusive Urban Space

Beyond its role as a transit hub, South Sanlin Station serves as a public destination that enhances urban life. The open rooftop park provides spaces for walking, relaxation, and community interaction, transforming the station into a civic gathering point. The varying elevations of the roof platforms, ranging from 2.45 meters to 8 meters, offer dynamic views of the city, forest, and nearby villages, fostering a unique visual and spatial experience.

Flexible public service areas have been incorporated into the station, allowing for future adaptability. These spaces can accommodate functions such as visitor centers, parent-child activity zones, and citizen engagement hubs, ensuring that the station remains relevant to the evolving needs of the community.

A Model for the Future of Transit-Oriented Design

South Sanlin Station exemplifies a paradigm shift in urban transportation architecture, where infrastructure is no longer a passive component of the city but an active, evolving space that engages with its surroundings. The station's ability to transition from a mere point of transit to a vibrant, interactive public realm sets a precedent for future urban mobility projects.

By integrating transit, landscape, and public amenities, the station creates a more humane and ecologically sensitive approach to metro infrastructure. South Sanlin Station is not just a place to pass through—it is a place to explore, to stay, and to connect with the city in a new and meaningful way.

All Photographs are works of  ZY Architectural Photography