The climate in the Yucatan peninsula is tropical with rain and high humidity in the summer, to deal with this extreme weather, we envisaged a large open lattice roof, glazed in strategic locations, enabling public semi-open spaces that function without mechanical ventilation. In laying out the commercial component, we aimed to design spaces which constantly celebrate the experience of rail transportation this was achieved by framing views of inbound and outbound trains, and by laying out these retail spaces on a direct visual connection with the platforms. The linear configuration of the station and the symmetry naturally help, this was assisted by the roof geometry which intuitively navigates users towards the centre of the station. This was enhanced by stacking the public programme of the station above the platforms deriving in a more compact scheme, connected across levels with vertical circulation and featuring a grand hall flooded with light and natural ventilation.Īnother key priority during the design process was the user experience, ease of mobility, orientation and the presence of natural light. One of the key elements was to minimise the footprint of the station, so after exploring different spatial configurations, an eye shaped footprint, widest at the centre, where the main functions converge, seemed the most efficient use of space. The primary goal in the design process was to push the sustainability agenda to the foreground and to find in that optimized performance a narrative which would speak about the qualities of pre-Hispanic Mayan Architecture through the use of light, shadows, patterns, materials and vegetation. The Mexico City-based architecture firm AIDIA STUDIO reveals design for Tulum Train Station, planned to be built on the Tren Maya railway line in Mexico.Īrchitect's statement: The station sits in the beach resort of Tulum, in the Mexican Caribbean, along the Riviera Maya.