French architecture studio Dominique Perrault Architecture has unveiled the Villejuif-Gustave Roussy metro station, a striking underground transit hub in the southern suburb of Villejuif. As part of the Grand Paris Express, this innovative design redefines conventional metro station structures by tunneling 50 meters below the surface, creating an “inverted skyscraper.”
Instead of a traditional above-ground structure, the station appears to sink into a vast cylindrical void, measuring 70 meters in diameter. This unique approach allows natural light to penetrate all the way to the platforms, enhancing the passenger experience with an open and airy atmosphere. According to studio founder Dominique Perrault, “The sky of this inverted skyscraper is simply the ground level of the city.”
A Fusion of Architecture, Light, and Functionality
Serving over 100,000 passengers daily, the station integrates public spaces, shops, and services on its first two levels. A network of balconies, galleries, footbridges, and escalators connects each level, ensuring smooth movement for commuters. The transparent helicoidal glass roof, constructed with three layers, plays a crucial role in illuminating the space below while maintaining protection from the elements.
This innovative roof structure includes a central circular component, known as the “eye,” which allows for natural ventilation. Additionally, two spiraled stainless-steel mesh layers function as sunshades, casting dynamic light patterns throughout the station. The materials used—concrete, glass, and stainless steel—were carefully selected to enhance durability while contributing to the station’s sleek, contemporary aesthetic.
Enhancing Connectivity and Urban Development
Located within the ZAC Campus Grand Parc, a major research and residential district, the Villejuif-Gustave Roussy station improves accessibility to the renowned Institut Gustave Roussy cancer hospital. Beyond its transportation role, the station serves as a cultural landmark, featuring an immersive neon-lit installation by Chilean artist Iván Navarro that evokes a starry sky.
As part of the broader Grand Paris Express initiative, this station contributes to a 200-kilometer automated metro expansion aimed at strengthening suburban connections. With 42 new stations positioned near disadvantaged areas, the project aims to promote urban equality and economic growth. Designed alongside other key transit hubs, including Kengo Kuma’s Saint-Denis Pleyel Station, Villejuif-Gustave Roussy stands as a testament to Paris’ vision for a modern, accessible, and artistically enriched transportation network.