Simple and robust Paris Metro Line reaches great depths with an impressive structural concept
Sergio Grazia

Simple and robust Paris Metro Line reaches great depths with an impressive structural concept

25 Jan 2022  •  News  •  By Allie Shiell

Located at the base of the Paris judicial tribunals, the new Porte de Clichy station by AZC Atelier Zündel Cristea and ARCHITRAM is part of the northern extension of Metro Line 14. Relatively bare, the station is emblematic of the extension project as a whole with its great main spaces organised and designed according to rational principles of simplicity and robustness. It is one of four new stations covering 5.8 km of tunnel tracks and serving approximately 96,000 additional inhabitants.

Sergio Grazia

Given the highly urban nature and presence of other ongoing projects in the surroundings, co-operation and joint activity with these construction projects were essential. Further to this, the great depth required for the platforms was integral in structuring the site. 

Sergio Grazia

The structural concept for the station relies on vertically moulded walls, stabilised by horizontal stays and slabs. The depth required for the platforms dictated that the walls be thickly moulded at 1.5 metres and over 30 metres in height. The walls were poured first, after which the interior earth was dug out to create a volume 30 metres in height, 130 metres long and 22 metres wide. 

Sergio Grazia

Throughout the construction process, the delivery of materials to the depth of the station platforms proved difficult, particularly with the presence of the escalators. Installation of elements such as tile on the walls required cathedral-style scaffolding. 

Sergio Grazia