UNS and Settanta7 Selected to Design Turin Metro Line 2 as a 32-Station Network
A consortium spearheaded by UNS and Settanta7, alongside collaborators Mijksenaar, Frigorosso, 3BA, and WSP, has secured the prestigious contract for the design of Turin's forthcoming Metro Line 2. This ambitious project, selected by an international panel of experts chaired by Dominique Perrault, will encompass a comprehensive 32-station network. The core of their winning concept revolves around the idea of "flow," drawing inspiration from Turin's natural and architectural heritage, including its rivers and extensive arcaded pathways. The design aims to transform the metro line into a new "urban river," guided by three foundational principles: distinctive branding, an enhanced passenger experience, and a nuanced approach to identity across various scales. The initial development phase will focus on 10 key stations, notably Mole Giardini, San Giovanni Bosco, and Carlo Alberto.
UNS and Settanta7 Chosen for Turin Metro Line 2: A Vision of Urban Flow and Cohesive Design
In a significant urban development announcement made on April 2, 2026, a distinguished team comprising UNS, Settanta7, Mijksenaar, Frigorosso, 3BA, and WSP was officially selected to undertake the design of Turin's ambitious Metro Line 2. The decision, overseen by an expert international jury led by Dominique Perrault, highlighted the team's innovative proposal centered on the theme of "flow." This concept is deeply rooted in Turin's rich history, from its natural waterways like the Po and Dora rivers to the 18 kilometers of arcaded porticoes that define the city's pedestrian experience. The project aspires to reimagine the metro line as a modern "urban river," fostering seamless movement throughout the city.
The design framework is built upon three critical pillars: establishing a compelling brand identity, optimizing the transit experience for all users, and creating a cohesive yet adaptable identity across the entire network. While the complete Line 2 will feature 32 stations, the initial phase will concentrate on the design and implementation of 10 stations, including prominent locations such as Mole Giardini, San Giovanni Bosco, and Carlo Alberto. The architects' modular design philosophy ensures that each station, while distinct in its response to local context through art and landscaping, maintains a consistent visual and spatial language. This approach encompasses "Network Identity," unifying signs, materials, and colors; "System Identity," integrating urban elements into surrounding neighborhoods; and "Station Identity," allowing individual stations to reflect their unique surroundings.
The project's deeper considerations acknowledge Turin's unique character, blending its industrial legacy with its burgeoning cultural and gastronomic scene. By drawing inspiration from the city's contrasting architectural elements—its understated exteriors and intricately detailed interiors—the design team seeks to bridge traditional and contemporary architectural narratives. The jury lauded the proposal for its potential to redefine the subway system as a vital component of urban regeneration, emphasizing its capacity to strengthen the symbiotic relationship between public mobility, urban spaces, and the broader city fabric. This forward-thinking design is anticipated to endure, shaping how residents and visitors interact with the city for generations.
From a civic development perspective, this project signifies more than just an expansion of public transport; it represents a profound reimagining of urban infrastructure as an integrated component of the city's social and cultural landscape. By conceptualizing the metro as a public realm extension, rather than merely a functional utility, Turin is poised to create a system that is not only efficient but also inherently welcoming and enriching. The emphasis on user experience, from intuitive wayfinding to sensory-rich station interiors, suggests a future where daily commutes become opportunities for engagement and discovery. This thoughtful integration of design, history, and community needs sets a commendable precedent for urban planning worldwide, demonstrating how infrastructure can actively contribute to a city's identity and livability.