Palenque Station serves as the terminal of the Maya Train, providing a connection to the national rail network. It is located near the Palenque archaeological site in southeastern Mexico, within the Chiapas jungle.
Designed by DAFdf Arquitectura y Urbanismo, the architecture balances contemporary infrastructure requirements with contextual sensitivity. The station's design complies with construction and civil protection regulations while drawing inspiration from Maya archaeological references and local vernacular architecture.
Architectural concept and climate response
The station’s concept is defined by a large, sloped roof covered with green tiles, evoking hidden archaeological landscapes. The building is largely open on all four sides, allowing lateral air intake and upward heat release through the lightweight roof. This passive ventilation strategy reflects the principles of traditional Mayan houses, reducing the need for mechanical cooling.
Inside, a mosaic wall abstractly represents the green mask of King Pakal, a ruler of the Classic Maya period. The geometry of the artifact is reflected in the building’s form, integrating cultural references into the station’s architectural expression.
Site and spatial organization
A branch line was constructed from the main Maya Train route to position Palenque Station in an area designated for urban development, between the Pakalná neighborhood to the north and Palenque to the south. The station occupies the former airstrip site, east of the main road and west of the current Palenque Airport. A circular plaza with gardens and a surrounding pergola anchors the complex, serving as a focal point for future urban growth.
The station is arranged on multiple levels, with trains arriving via a viaduct. The upper level, accessed from the plaza and east-side pergola, houses a central concourse with passenger services, ticketing, information, and train platforms.
Operational facilities, including a zonal control center, are integrated at this level. A staircase connects the upper concourse to the lower multimodal platform, which accommodates technical rooms, public transportation access, parking, and pick-up/drop-off zones. Drains beneath the viaduct and around the plaza maintain the natural flow of waterways.
Regionally sourced materials
All materials are site-specific, local, or artisan-made to minimize environmental impact. Bamboo is used for ceilings, beams, and pergolas; it is treated with boric acid, dried, finished, and maintained to enhance durability. Regional wood is used for facade lattices and interior finishes. The roof is covered with moisture-resistant fiber cement tiles that also provide thermal insulation.
Concrete and steel form the structural system, including foundations, columns, retaining walls, and roof trusses. Ceramic mosaic tiles, featuring designs such as the Pakal Mask, are crafted by local artisans in Guanajuato. Anti-mold panels are installed in interior areas to extend material lifespan and reduce maintenance.
Structural and energy strategies
Most public spaces avoid mechanical air conditioning. The building’s form promotes natural convection: cooler air enters at lower levels and rises through the roof, functioning as a thermal chimney. Glazed roof sections act as heat points that enhance airflow. A Canadian Well system draws cooler subsoil air into the building, released via integrated grilles at pedestrian level, improving thermal comfort without significant energy consumption.
The station hall and plaza are designed as flexible public spaces, accommodating community activities beyond railway operations. Replaceable bamboo and wood finishes support circular economy principles, reflecting a commitment to adaptability and sustainability.
