Marseille Saint-Charles train station

Jeudi Wang

• Multidisciplinary practice

AREP leads the design of the Halles Saint-Charles, delivering a high-capacity, climate-adapted transport hub that reconnects Marseille’s districts and enhances intermodal links.

The Halles Saint-Charles represent the visible part of the Marseille Saint-Charles underground station project, part of the New Provence Côte d’Azur Line initiative. This project aims to enhance the station’s rail capacity while driving urban transformation. A panoramic promenade creates a 360° connection between the station and surrounding neighbourhoods, while a new underground gallery will link the northern and southern districts currently divided by railway tracks. The project strengthens intermodal connections between various decarbonised transport modes: the metro, bus station, future tramway on Boulevard National, buses on Boulevard Voltaire, and extensive facilities for bicycles. For its design, AREP is working closely with Atelier Roberta, a renowned landscape agency. From the initial sketches, this collaboration has ensured built spaces harmonise with open areas. The layout of the Halles delineates public spaces and gardens integrated at every level: a wind garden with a windbreak hedge on the rail platform, a landscaped ramp connecting Boulevard National to the historic station, and a garden square on Boulevard Voltaire with rain gardens for stormwater management. The Halles Saint-Charles incorporate environmentally friendly solutions: photovoltaic energy production on rooftops, natural ventilation to reduce energy demand, climate adaptation, low-carbon and reused materials, the creation of cooling zones, and maximisation of planted, permeable surfaces. User navigation is also a priority, with thoughtful wayfinding features to enhance the experience. Colourful sun breakers under the Halles’ roofs provide, depending on the perspective, a palette evoking Marseille’s rooftops or vivid tones for easy orientation within the station. Finally, the design adapts to the Mediterranean climate. Users can choose their route based on weather and season: under the Halles’ vast canopies, indoors for full shelter, or in outdoor spaces, protected as needed from the sun, rain, or mistral winds.