Vakil Metro Station

Located adjacent to the Vakil Bazaar, Bathhouse, and Mosque, the station is at the heart of historic Shiraz. The initial brief was solely for it to be a gateway to the old fabric, facilitating access via this added stop on an already-existing metro route. This purpose was expanded by the architect during the design process to include cultural activities such as an art gallery and events space, making it not only a place for transit but also an art-related hub. Due both to regulations requiring non-combustible material and to the proximity of historic fabric, the main structure of concrete vault, columns, and beams is faced with bricks, iron, and ceramic. The galleries are at level -1, the ticket hall and offices on level -2, and the metro platforms at level -3. The ground floor accommodates commercial premises. A first-floor coffee shop has a traditional shading structure in wood and textile. Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture