Palenque Station - Maya Train

Palenque Station - Maya Train

DAFdf arquitectura Y urbanismo

Palenque Station - Maya Train
Cortesía de Consorcio Lamat

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Gabriela Bojalil Rébora, Paulus Van Der Voort

PHOTOGRAPHS
Jorge R. Almanza

AREA
10250 M²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Palenque, Mexico

CATEGORY
Train Station

Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza

The Palenque Station is part of the Maya Train Project, a development and infrastructure railway project of nearly 1500 km in circuit in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. 

Palenque is the terminal station of the Maya Train and connects to the railway network of the rest of the country.

Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza
Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza

Its geographical position is diagonally opposite to the consolidated tourism core of the peninsula, in Quintana Roo. 

The main interest lies in the well-known Maya archaeological site "Palenque" nestled in the Chiapas jungle.

Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza
Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza

The design of the station sought a contemporary image, technically suitable for the new infrastructure, but resonant with the context. 

The architecture was inspired by both Maya findings and vernacular construction.

Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza
Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza

The concept is defined by the large roof shaped with sloping planes covered with green tiles, a landscape of hidden archaeological features. 

The station is mostly open on its four sides, with fresh air entering laterally and rising heat released by the roof, reminiscent of the traditional Maya house.

Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza
Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza

A mosaic wall abstractly represents the green mask of King Pakal, ruler of the Maya classical period, a historical artifact whose geometry remotely reflects the shape of the building. 

The station was located on the site of the first airport in Palenque, built as a levee, limiting lower lands with rustic character. The station is organized over different levels of terrain, receiving the train on a viaduct.

Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza
Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza

On the lower level, the landscape flows and connects the roadway with the multimodal transport platform. Under the platform and tracks are the technical spaces.

On the upper level is the central platform, operational spaces of the railway station and zonal control center; and a traveler support program, with access to a circular plaza, gardens, and a pergola, center of a future urban program.

Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza
Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza

Due to its position between two urban cores, controlled development in the vicinity is anticipated.

The station is structured with a central area of concrete columns delimiting the space reserved for the penetration of tracks, and concrete retaining walls.

Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza
Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza

The lightweight roofs, supports, and bridge trusses are made of steel, with triangular framing for greater stability.

Inside, there are local wooden screens and bamboo ceilings, which are also used as roof beams in the platform and pergola.

Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza


Palenque Station - Maya Train
Cortesía de Consorcio Lamat
Palenque Station - Maya Train
Cortesía de Consorcio Lamat
Palenque Station - Maya Train
Cortesía de Consorcio Lamat
Palenque Station - Maya Train
Cortesía de Consorcio Lamat


Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza
Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza
Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza
Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza
Palenque Station - Maya Train
© Jorge R. Almanza


Palenque Station - Maya Train
Plan - Joined
Palenque Station - Maya Train
Plan
Palenque Station - Maya Train
Platform Floor Plan
Palenque Station - Maya Train
Roof Plan
Palenque Station - Maya Train
Longitudinal Section
Palenque Station - Maya Train
Longitudinal Section


Palenque Station - Maya Train
Transversal Section
Palenque Station - Maya Train
Transversal Section
Palenque Station - Maya Train
Transversal Section
Palenque Station - Maya Train
Transversal Section


Palenque Station - Maya Train
North Elevation
Palenque Station - Maya Train
East Elevation
Palenque Station - Maya Train
West Elevation
Palenque Station - Maya Train
South Elevation


Palenque Station - Maya Train
Diagram


Palenque Station - Maya Train
Diagram