Capodichino Metro Station: A Contemporary Gateway to Naples

Naples is redefining its urban mobility with the construction of the Capodichino Metro Station. Designed as a “contemporary gateway,” this infrastructure project isn’t just about transport; it’s a fusion of engineering and art intended to provide travelers with their first immersive urban experience upon arriving at Naples Airport. By connecting the airport directly to the city center, the project transforms the existing terminal into a sustainable transport hub.

Bridging History and Modernity: The Design Vision

The station is the work of the London-based firm RSHP, with Project Directors Ivan Harbour and Lennart Grut leading the vision. The design is a celebration of movement, intended to integrate the airport into the city’s broader regeneration plan.

A striking element of the design is its inspiration from St. Patrick’s Well in Orvieto, a 16th-century excavation known for its depth. RSHP has translated this historical reference into a modern architectural statement, creating a spatial interplay that guides passengers from the light of the sky down to the depths of the earth.

Architectural Highlights

• The Vertical Void: The station features a 50-meter vertical void that transforms the descent to the platform level into a narrative experience.
• Sculptural Staircases: Four yellow helical emergency exit stairs spiral around the perimeter of the tube, serving as both a functional necessity and an iconic sculptural feature.
• The Steel Canopy: A 450-ton open steel and glass canopy oversails the subterranean piazza. This structure is critical for allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the station and enabling natural ventilation.

Strategic Connectivity and Urban Impact

The Capodichino Station is a key component of the upgrade to Naples Metro Line 1. Its primary goal is to create a seamless link between the airport, the port and the rail network, including high-speed rail.

Once operational, the station will connect passengers to:

• Napoli Centrale: The main railway station in Piazza Garibaldi.
• Piazza Municipio: The city’s ferry terminal.

Beyond connectivity, the project includes the redevelopment of the surrounding urban area, ensuring the station acts as a catalyst for local growth.

Engineering the Underground

The construction is being carried out by the Webuild Group as part of the Partecipazioni Italia Consortium (with Webuild holding a 66.83% share and Moccia Costruzioni holding 33.17%). The project is being built on behalf of the Municipality of Naples and will be operated by ANM Azienda Napoletana Mobilità.

The technical complexity of the project is significant. With a budget of €60,000,000, the work involves the turnkey construction of the station and the creation of three service shafts for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). Two of these shafts are dedicated to the excavation of the Capodichino-Poggioreale sub-section, while the third facilitates the connection with the Di Vittorio Station of the EAV line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired the design of the Capodichino Station?

The designers were inspired by St. Patrick’s Well, a 54-meter-deep 16th-century excavation in Orvieto, Italy.

Who is operating the new metro station?

The station will be operated by ANM Azienda Napoletana Mobilità.

How does the station fit into the wider Naples Metro system?

It is part of the “art stations” system, where each station is designed by an international artist or architect to blend engineering with urban identity.

The Future of Naples Transit

The Capodichino Metro Station represents an evolution in Naples’ public transportation transformation. By fusing high-capacity engineering with high-concept architecture, the city is creating more than just a transit stop; it is building a landmark. As the project nears completion, it stands as a testament to how infrastructure can serve as both a functional tool for mobility and a piece of public art.