The opening of the Macau Light Rapid Transit (LRT) Seac Pai Van (SPV) Line marks a significant advancement in the city’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility. This new elevated line of 1.6km comprises two strategically located stations — Union Hospital Station and Seac Pai Van Terminal Station.

The Union Hospital Station extends to the interchange at Rotunda Flor de Lótus which connects seamlessly to the existing LRT Taipa Line. It effectively expands the existing green transportation network, enhancing connectivity for residents and visitors alike.

The SPV Line connects the vibrant residential community of Seac Pai Van in Coloane with the Taipa Line, improving accessibility to key destinations throughout the city, including the bustling Macau Peninsula. Together with the new Hengqin Line (designed and project managed by Arup) which strategically opened at the same time, SPV Line plays a crucial role in integrating Macau with mainland China, particularly within the Greater Bay Area. More importantly, it supports the city’s broader goals of reducing traffic congestion and pollution, as well as creating new opportunities for economic growth.

In 2017, following the successful delivery of a feasibility study, we were appointed as the consultant for the detailed design of this strategic link. The project brief was to design and construct a new LRT line comprising two stations, a 1.6km long viaduct and pedestrian bridges with a total length of 300m to link the new stations to Union Hospital and the SPV public housing development. This brief was aligned with the clear directives set forth by the Macau SAR Government and aimed to position the SPV Line as a landmark achievement in the city's transportation infrastructure.

Our vision for SPV Line extended beyond a mere transportation solution. It represented an opportunity to ‘rethink’ station design tailored to meet local transportation needs and requirements. This project aimed to be a transformative element within the urban landscape, enhancing connectivity while underscoring our commitment to innovation and sustainability.

With our focus on sustainability, cultural integration, enhanced passenger experiences – while adhering to the client’s brief, cost and programme constraints, this new line not only serves as a vital transportation link but also reflects Macau’s aspirations for a greener, more connected future, setting a new benchmark for the city’s railway system.

At the heart of the SPV Line’s success lies its innovative, human-centric design principles. These principles guided the architectural vision for the station design, ensuring an exceptional experience for all passengers.

One notable feature is the design of the station skylights, strategically placed to harvest natural light to the core circulation areas. these skylights not only enhance the overall station spatial quality, but also faciliate passenger wayfinding design, during normal operation and in emergency situations by architectural design, not relying on typical station signage. The design allows passengers to visually gauge exit routes, significantly alleviating anxiety in case of emergencies and promoting a sense of safety and comfort.

The architectural concept of the stations followed the design ethos: ‘simple’, ‘purposeful’, ‘efficient’ and ‘beautiful’. With the SPV line located at the dominant bookend of the famous Asia Las Vega of The Cotai Strip, the architectural design of the stations thoughtfully integrated cultural elements that reflect the local heritage. The façades beautifully celebrate the traditional Portuguese Azulejo tile artwork, creating a unique, clear and elegant design that harmonises with the surrounding environment. This celebration of local culture enhances the identity of the stations while meeting functional and safety requirements, such as static smoke discharge systems, wind-driven rain protection, solar heat gain reduction while allow adequate natural light ingressand natural cross-ventilation.

The two elegant station boxes embodied a sophisticated development of station design and navigated the complexities of construction constraints. The Union Hospital Station is strategically designed to integrate with the existing Taipa Line viaduct without interrupting the normal services of the train operation. This integration posed considerable challenges, necessitating meticulous planning to avoid disruption to the live utility mains underneath the construction site.

To address the complex station arrangement and construction constraints associated with the operating railway facilities, our architecture and engineering teams developed a phased sequencing works plan. This innovative approach enabled the installation of modular station components under a limited 3-hour window during the non-operating nighttime hour. This solution not only minimised the impact on daily services but also ensured safety and efficiency throughout the construction process.

The architectural design not only adhered to these constraints but also preserved the architectural vision. This is a testament to our close collaboration among our multidisciplinary teams and contractors, showcasing our dedication and ingenuity in navigating the complexities of mega railway construction.

To further enhance passenger experience, we developed a realtime interactive model of the station environment. Using cutting-edge 3D simulation technology, we optimised the wayfinding and signage design. Through testing the movement of different user groups including wheelchair and pram users in a virtual journey, we identify potential issues and realized an inclusive station design. It also enabled our client to reduce costs in comparison to post-construction relocation.

The incorporation of environmentally sustainable design not only complies with stringent safety regulations but also contributes to energy efficiency. From the outset, passive design principles have been central to the conceptual development of the project. By maximising natural light and cross natural ventilating design minimising reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours and no environmental control system is required, the stations significantly reduce energy consumption, offering a much slimmer building footprint, less building materials, aligning with the city’s sustainability goals.

Modular design allowed for factory-controlled production of façade modules for both stations. This approach ensured high precision in dimensions and finishes, reducing the likelihood of errors during installation. Moreover, it allowed for optimised material usage during manufacturing, reducing off-cuts and excess materials. This not onlysignificantly lowering waste generated on-site but also contributed to a reduction in the overall carbon footprint of the construction process. Less transportation of materials and reduced energy use during construction further enhanced the project’s sustainability.

The SPV Line exemplifies our commitment to passenger comfort and wellness. The thoughtful architectural design ensures that the stations remain cool and inviting, effectively mitigating the challenges posed by the region's hot, tropical climate. By prioritising both aesthetic and practical functionality, the Seac Pai Van Line sets a new standard for public transport in Macau.