In urban life, the subway is synonymous with the spirit of the city. It frees the city dweller from the automobile, it moves from point to point with speed while capturing the curiosity of its passenger. From Moscow to Montreal, Paris to Pyongyang, these 10 transit systems house truly stunning subway stations across all aspects of design. So grab your transit card and head underground– get ready to explore the 10 coolest subway systems in the modern world.
The Washington Metro
We contend that the Washington Metro is the most iconic and visually progressive subway system in the United States. First built in 1976, this 100-mile network of tunnels includes 28 stations, most of which are the work of architect Harry Weese. These massive, concrete caverns feature an egg carton texture that stretches from one side to the other in a split cylinder design. The walls are out of reach, there are no thick pillars breaking up the view and the whole expanse is awash in indirect light. These features are as much as aspect of design as they are safety, as the Washington Metro subway stations provide few if any dark crannies in which crime can hide. First time riders will also be amazed at the sheer depth of these Metro stations. Some stations reach down 200 feet below the surface, providing for one heck of a long, slow ride into the caverns below. [images © thecoolist.com]
via Unreal Underground: the World’s 10 Coolest Subway Systems.
