The 11 Types of Washington, DC, Metro Station Architecture
The 11 Types of Washington, DC, Metro Station Architecture (2018)
Washington, DC's Metro system is known for its distinctive vaulted ceilings, but not all stations are alike. This guide breaks down the 11 basic architectural designs, from the common 'waffle' vault to the unique 'twin tube' underground stations and the various aboveground canopy styles. It also highlights six stations with one-of-a-kind designs, offering a comprehensive look at the system's brutalist and modern architectural evolution.
The waffle design first appeared when the system opened in 1976.
- gumby271
The DC metro stations with this architecture (and several of the federal buildings downtown in a similar brutalist style) are some of my favorite places. Growing up in the area, the Metro was so exciting for field trips. It felt like being a grown up in a different underground world. The dramatic lighting, weird smell, and cave temperature of the underground ones feel so special to me. Built like a cathedral, stripped down to only the practical parts. Even commuting as an adult it feels special, those senses come back every time. I'm glad they have the same dirty hexagonal tiles at every station too!
- dabluecaboose
I'm surprised they didn't mention the Pentagon metro, which always stood out to me since instead of having side-by-side platforms, they're stacked vertically within the same vault.
I guess it falls under "Waffle" style, though.
- javier_e06
I love the article.
For my own reasons I went right away to search for the
word "brutalist" which is what the older stations evoke when the cement ages around you.
Not pretty to look at it.
It reminds me of the Apple TV series Silo. It makes you want to escape to the surface to clean the camera.
The new stations on the Silver Line to IAD bring better feelings.