Hassell and Djinjama unveil designs for six new airport metro stations

First Nations design professionals Djinjama, with lead architect Hassell, were engaged to lead the design process, and collaborated and engaged with key Knowledge Holders of Country throughout.  

“Our approach extends beyond technical design excellence; we are creating spaces that acknowledge and respect the cultural heritage of Dharug Country,” says Glenn Scott, Hassell Principal.

Each new station will complement the qualities of the Cumberland Plain landscape and aim to establish a sense of connection to place, people and communities of Western Sydney.  

“This isn’t just about constructing stations and tunnels; it’s about shaping the future of Greater Western Sydney. This project will catalyse growth, and support the evolving identity of the region while respecting and celebrating its rich cultural history,” says Paul Digby, CEO Parklife Metro Consortium.

Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is the first rail infrastructure project in Australia to commit to being carbon neutral from construction through to operation and is on track to achieving a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating. 

This project is a rare opportunity to profoundly impact the culture of a new city by starting with public transport prior to housing, roads and other facilities. 

In doing so, it is becoming public transport central, seamless, and preferable to driving, inspiring people to move in a way that supports the future wellbeing of the community as well as the surrounding environment.

The project includes six new stations and a stabling and maintenance facility, all connected by a 23-kilometre corridor of restored Cumberland Plain landscape.

To support the aspirations to create a highly liveable community in Greater Sydney’s Western Parkland City, this project is committed to supporting species biodiversity, prioritising high quality public spaces, and managing resources responsibly. 

From the very outset, the designs for this city-shaping project are embedded in a deep engagement with First Nations Dharug Country narratives, respecting the cultural significance of the land they traverse. Research began with an extensive exploration of the Cumberland Plain, known as Wianamatta by the Dharug People and characterised by long views to the horizon, vast skies and a land shaped by ephemeral creek systems.

This research distilled into a guiding design narrative — ‘carved earth connected to big sky’ — informed every subsequent design decision.
The concept of ‘carved earth connected to big sky’ filters into all station designs. 

Underground stations are designed to reflect a ‘carving’ of the earth represented through singular material and colour palettes, paired with striking six-metre-diameter oculus skylights, connecting one to the ‘big sky’ above. Above ground, the stations offer a contemporary interpretation on a simple traditional country station.

The final designs feature colours, textures and materials derived from Country and these will be experienced by passengers throughout stations, including communal areas like plazas, walkways and buildings. 

Feedback from stakeholders and community members was incorporated into the final station designs after initial plans were exhibited during a consultation period.  
 

Visuals by Doug + Wolf