«Zilant» station of the Kazan metro

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«Zilant» station of the Kazan metro

Firm

Rokot Studio

Type

Transport + Infrastructure › Train/Subway

STATUS

Concept

SIZE

25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft

The project encompasses the design of ground entrance pavilions and interiors for all public areas of Zilant Metro Station, part of the second line of the Kazan Metro. The station takes its name from the mythological serpent Zilant, a symbol of Kazan depicted on the city’s coat of arms.

Zilant is a legendary winged serpent, revered as the official symbol of Kazan. According to one version of Tatar legend, the serpent king Zilant lost the battle for the hill on which the Kazan Kremlin now stands. It fled to another hill, established its lair in a cave, and is said to dwell there to this day.

The station’s concept draws directly from this myth, offering passengers a journey through Zilant’s underground realm — a subtle reminder of the ancient serpent. The ground pavilions are transparent and permeable, their form defined by the flowing lines of the metal ceiling, which echo the sinuous curves of Zilant’s body. From certain angles, red accents and the reflections of the pavilion’s colored floor appear along these curves, adding dynamic visual effects.

Descending into the underground passage, visitors encounter walls adorned with scattered lamps — “gems” — guiding them through doors to the hall and ticket offices. The space unfolds as a spacious “cave,” illuminated by a translucent, crystal- or mica-like ceiling that bathes the interior in diffuse light. Passing through the green portal leads to the station platform, where crystal lamps descend from the metal ceiling, and colossal metal scales along the walls evoke the grandeur and presence of Zilant.