Xi'an Metro Line 5: A Confluence of History and Modernity

Acclaimed Design Team Fuses Cultural Heritage with Contemporary Transit

Xi'an, a city steeped in history, now boasts a metro line that is a testament to its cultural depth and vision for the future. Metro Line 5, extending from Heping Village to Textile City Railway Station, is not just a transit route but a journey through time and innovation. The design team, led by Muchuan Xu, Minxi Cai, and Guanbao Ye, has meticulously woven the essence of Xi'an's past into the fabric of a modern subway experience, earning them a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2024.

The design of the Ligongdaqujiangxiaoqu station stands as a hallmark of ingenuity, with its geometric spatial model inspired by the logical and sequential nature of the nearby Xi'an University of Technology. The station features a series of triangular matrix modules, creating a futuristic journey for commuters. Meanwhile, the Yanxianglu station, situated in the historical Le You Yuan area, showcases ceiling petals and branch-shaped pillars, simplifying and reconstructing the poetic elements of nature.

Each station along the 25.359km line is a unique narrative, with designers employing light and space to enhance cultural recognition and social engagement. The Yanxianglu station, for instance, uses lighting lines to sketch petal forms on the ceiling, while wooden grilles in the outer area guide passengers and contrast materials and colors to enrich the sensory experience.

The design challenges were formidable, given Xi'an's status as a former capital of 13 dynasties. The design team delved into the city's rich heritage, ensuring that each station reflects the cultural and historical context of its location. The Xiyaotou station, surrounded by water treatment plants, incorporates water ripple motifs in its ceiling, columns, and tiles, translating the symbol of ripples into a tangible design element.

Completed and operational since December 2020, Xi'an Metro Line 5 is a modern marvel that respects and revitalizes the city's ancient spirit. The project, from conception to realization, spanned two years, with a collaborative effort from a dedicated design team that included Changhui, Wangliang, Junjie Li, Shangzhao Yang, Xiaofeng Li, and Zhongning Zhang. Their collective vision has not only enhanced the daily commute but has also enriched the urban landscape with a living tribute to Xi'an's enduring legacy.

As the intellectual property of Vantree Design, the project's design elements are protected, ensuring that the creative contributions of the team are recognized and preserved. The Silver A' Design Award is a fitting acknowledgment of their achievement in creating a space that is both functional and evocative, a true intersection of art, architecture, and innovation.