As part of our development of any design brief we always research and understand the local conditions, culture, and location of projects to deliver schemes that are inspired by, and reflect their physical, commercial, and cultural contexts.

This approach is guiding our interior design of a new generation of stations in China, in collaboration with Jiang & Associates Design (J&A), where we have been exploring a creative way to design unique locally responsive ideas for each station which are also part of the bigger story.

The station interiors are evolving beyond mere functionality to become immersive experiences that evoke emotions and reflect site-specific local, regional, and national priorities and cultures. Our designs reflect the evolution of simple modern futuristic design into a more complex and subtle blend of stories to inform and benefit investors, rail users and local communities.

Our design approach is supported by results and insights from our Thrive and Works teams’ research projects in the UK, which are measuring human emotional responses to the design of places, spaces and exploring how to source and reuse construction materials in a Circular Economy.

“Our main aim in the design of stations in China has always been to provoke emotions, far beyond the functional and regulatory requirements. Our designs aim to be memorable spaces that offer their passengers an artistic and futuristic expression of their own culture.” Reza Esmaeeli, Head of Chetwoods Guangzhou office

Local Sensitivity and Cultural Connection

By integrating unique concepts inspired by the surrounding area, these stations are transforming into destinations themselves, rather than just transit points.

Each station's design draws inspiration from its local context, such as proximity to a hospital, university, tourist destination or cultural landmark. By reflecting the essence of the community it serves, the station becomes a gateway to the wider destination, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Thematic Design

Stations are themed around specific concepts relevant to their location, such as music for a station near a music university or aviation for a station situated on a historic airport site. This thematic approach creates a cohesive narrative that resonates with passengers and adds depth to their journey.

Biophilic Design

Some stations incorporate biophilic elements, connecting passengers with nature through design. This could involve utilising natural materials, incorporating green spaces, or creating visual representations of natural landscapes, fostering a sense of wellbeing and harmony with the environment.

Interactive Art and Technology

High-tech elements, interactive art installations, and reflective materials are employed to engage passengers and enhance the sense of speed and movement within the station. These features contribute to a dynamic and immersive atmosphere, turning the station into an experiential space.

Modular Efficiency

Modular design approaches streamline construction and allow for flexibility in adapting to different station layouts. By incorporating natural materials and circadian lighting, these modular designs prioritise passenger wellbeing while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.

Emotional Impact

Design details are carefully considered to evoke positive emotions and leave a lasting impression on passengers. From lighting schemes that create a sense of warmth and comfort to interactive elements that spark curiosity and engagement, every aspect of the interior design is tailored to enhance the overall passenger experience.

By integrating these elements, architectural interior design transforms metro stations into destinations that not only facilitate transit but also enrich the journey, leaving passengers with memorable experiences that extend beyond mere transportation.

Station Examples

The minimalist architectural design of Huangmugang station in Shenzhen needed a sensitive interior design approach applied with a light touch. J&A and Chetwoods worked together to develop the concept of utilising lighting as the main driving factor in shaping a cohesive scheme around the theme of ‘sunshine and a happy life under the trees,’ to create interior spaces that give station users a pleasant travel experience while stimulating their senses.

Our design concept for the artistic ceiling in another transportation hub creates a user journey between natural and abstract biophilic landscapes, to interpret and apply the city’s symbiosis of green and built land. We used a map of the city’s parks to visualise this ecosystem. All the elements of the ecology-based design start from the two sides of the station hall and come together at the centre of the space to form the representation of the city.

The ceiling art design of another station along the same line is based on the history and culture of the Hakka people. The square forms of Hakka houses - visualised in the use of neon lights - are clustered to create the traditional patterns of Hakka residential organisation. The clusters spread out into the wider environment in a visualisation of the trails of travel, movement and migration of the Hakka community through the rest of China and beyond to the wider world.

Our station interior designs reflect the evolution of simple modern futuristic design into a more complex and subtle blend of stories about national, regional and site-specific priorities and cultures to inform and benefit investors, rail users and local communities, creating memorable destinations for travellers on everyday journeys.