The Architecture of the “Underworld”

The first subway line was opened in London in 1863 and today this type of underground transport is available in almost all major cities in the world. The work of metro significantly reduces the load on ground transport and, at the same time, allows people to move as quickly and efficiently as possible. All metro stations in the world have something in common – they are located in urban areas, while tunnels can be laid anywhere: in a city or under a hill in a countryside. In design and construction of underground transport stations, it’s always tried to minimize public anxiety, control noise, vibration and dust levels from the metro. But how to assure passengers a sense of comfort and safety underground?

Of course, none of us want to go every day down to a place with dozens of posters, dirt and dubious smells. That is why cities are increasingly encouraging attractive architecture, interesting design and art in underground transport. This approach involves additional effort and financial costs, but is worth it, because metro is not just a means of transportation, but a matter of pride for city residents. 

German researchers found that people in Germany use underground transport more often than go to art galleries, so in Munich it was decided to turn subway stations into kind of art halls.

Underground art works inspire people, raise their mood and make them feel safe. Original color schemes and special design help passengers to navigate better. In addition, at aesthetically attractive stations there is practically no vandalism – people, as a rule, respect beautiful environment around them.

Classical and spectacular metro stations are often located on the territory of major cities of the former socialist countries: in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tashkent. So the first metro in Russia, the Moscow metro, was opened in 1935. Its spaciousness, decoration, and scale were far ahead of all such structures of that time. The goal of architects and engineers, working on this stations was to create spaces that would not look like underground ones. They designed stations bright and airy. 

The Moscow metro reflected philosophy of the communist regime during which it was built and conceived as a “palace for people.” Stations of the Moscow metro with their marble walls, stucco molding, sculptures, mosaics, chandeliers and other decorative elements really resembled palaces. High-quality materials, such as granite and polished marble, used in construction, also made it possible to make stations resistant to dampness and to facilitate their cleaning and operation. No less impressive than the Moscow metro are its ground-based pavilions, the entrances to the stations.

 Text: Elizaveta Klepanova

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