"FROM THE STATIONS OF THE MAYA TRAIN, PALENQUE STATION IN MEXICO"
Designed by DAFdf Architecture and Urbanism, Palenque Station brings together culture, history, and sustainability as an important part of the Maya Train Project in Mexico. This structure, serving as the gateway to the Maya archaeological site, stands out with its passive design that adapts to the region's climatic conditions. The station interprets traditional forms through a contemporary architectural language, offering an infrastructure model that is sensitive to the region's natural texture.
The design of Palenque Station combines traces of Maya architecture with modern infrastructure solutions. Its green roof, shaped by sloping planes, evokes the ancient structures hidden in the Chiapas forests, while the open-plan layout of its four facades allows for natural ventilation. The shading and airflow required by the hot climate have been decisive in the station's fundamental structural decisions.
One of the elements that gives identity to the space is the mosaic wall abstracting the green mask of Maya King Pakal. This reference, overlapping with the overall geometry of the structure, reinforces the cultural context of the station. Built by utilizing the elevation differences of an old airport, the station establishes a strong relationship with the landscape while creating a functional integrity with technical areas on the lower level and passenger areas and control centers on the upper level.
In the structural system, concrete columns and retaining walls define the passage of the rail lines, while steel supports and a triangular roof structure give the building lightness and openness. Inside, wooden elements and bamboo ceilings create visual warmth and support the vision of sustainability. The pergolas and the upper-level plan developing around a circular town square also prepare the infrastructure for future urban development.
Palenque Station stands out not only for its transportation function but also for its sensitivity to cultural and environmental contexts. As one of the endpoints of the Maya Train, this terminal contributes to regional development while bridging the past and the future through architecture.
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