A Train Through a Building, Redefining Urban Engineering in China

The Liziba station, located in Chongqing, China, a bustling city housing 30 million people, stands out as an architectural marvel. One of the four directly administered municipalities of China, along with Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin, Chongqing’s unique topography and rising Jialing River make it an interesting study of civil engineering.

Two Lines Built At The Same Time

This 19-story structure was developed by a real estate team that set out to conquer a 20-30 meter high slope. Initiated in 1998, the 2-year-construction project resulted in structures of joint construction aiming to keep the building erect despite the difficult terrain.

The subway Line 2 to Liziba Station, being the first subway line in this area, is an example of the multifaceted traffic pattern in the city.

Internet Sensation: Liziba Station’s Unconventional Monorail Route and Its Connection to Global Train Wonders

Liziba Station largely remained unknown to the world until 2012 and 2013 when its unique concept caught the internet’s attention and went viral. Commuters share the mesmerizing experience of the Monorail Line 2 smoothly winding through forests and slope sides and then taking a surprising route straight through a building. Luke Starkenburg’s viral video significantly contributed to popularizing Liziba’s unique route.

This concept may remind enthusiasts of the Maeklong railway market in Bangkok, Thailand, another intriguing blend of daily life and public transit. In both cases, the daily occurrences of trains become intertwined with the living or business spaces of people, signifying the adaptability of human habitats.

Innovative Design and Tourist Attraction: How Liziba Station Revolutionized Urban Space in Chongqing

The station and the residential building were constructed together as a single structure, contrary to some misconceptions that the monorail was retrofitted through an existing building. This design was a creative solution to the problem of limited space in the densely populated city of Chongqing. The station was designed by Ye Tianyi, a teacher in the College of Civil Engineering of Chongqing University.

The station is equipped with specialized noise reduction equipment to minimize the impact of station noise on the surrounding residences. This innovative design has not only saved valuable space in the city but also increased the value of the property. The station has become a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors coming to take photos of the monorail passing through the building.

A City Icon: Liziba Station’s Role in Chongqing’s History and Modernity

In addition to being a transportation hub, Liziba Station is also a significant landmark in the city. It was listed as a China’s 70-year Growth Landmark, symbolizing the city’s progress and development. The station is located near the Liziba Anti-Japanese War Relics Park, which is a historical site commemorating the city’s role as an alternate capital during the anti-Japanese war.

The Liziba Monorail Station is a testament to China’s engineering prowess and ambition, and it has become a symbol of Chongqing’s innovative approach to urban planning and development. The station’s unique design and its integration into a residential building have made it one of the most famous stations in the world.

How Do Trains Go Through Buildings?

The monorail and the residential building were constructed together as a single structure. The station was not retrofitted through an existing building, but rather, the building and the rail station were built simultaneously at the same location.

The building has more than 90 pile foundations, each with a height of 69 meters. There is a safety distance of 20 cm between the root track beam pile foundation and the building construction.

Engineering Marvel: The Unique Monorail of Chongqing’s Line 2

The monorail that passes through the building is part of Line 2 of the Chongqing Rail Transit. This line is a straddle-type monorail, meaning it straddles a single rail, which is located between the sixth and eighth floors of the building. The monorail is elevated and passes through the building without disrupting the residential units.

The design of the station posed significant engineering challenges. The train tracks needed to be aligned with the building’s structure, and the building had to be reinforced to support the weight and vibrations of the trains. The station also required advanced ventilation and noise reduction systems to minimize the impact on the residents.

Silent Innovation: How Liziba Station’s Noise Reduction Technology Enhances Resident Comfort

The station uses specialized noise reduction equipment to isolate station noise from the surrounding residences. The noise generated by the passing train does not exceed 60 decibels, which is roughly the noise level of a running dishwasher. This ensures that the residents of the building are not disturbed by the monorail’s operations.

The train tracks needed to be aligned with the building’s structure, and the building had to be reinforced to support the weight and vibrations of the trains. The station also required advanced ventilation and noise reduction systems to minimize the impact on the residents.

Architectural Visionary: Ye Tianyi’s Ingenious Integration of Monorail and Building at Liziba Station

The design process was led by Ye Tianyi, a teacher in the College of Civil Engineering of Chongqing University. The station and the residential building were constructed together as a single structure, with both the track and the building designed and constructed at the same time.

The model aimed to integrate the track and the building without them interfering with each other. The length of the train crossing is 132 meters, and the six pillars holding the rail are buried in the lower levels of the building.

Chongqing’s Urban Revolution: Liziba Monorail Station’s Innovative Design and Iconic Significance

The design of the Liziba Monorail Station is a testament to the innovative approach to urban planning and development in Chongqing.

It showcases how the city has utilized its unique terrain and high-density planning to create a transportation infrastructure that is both functional and iconic.

Community Impact

The design of the Liziba Monorail Station has had a significant impact on the surrounding community in several ways. The station has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors who come to take pictures of the monorail passing through the building. This influx of tourists has likely boosted the local economy, benefiting businesses in the area.

In addition, the building’s residents and the surrounding neighborhood now have easy access to multiple modes of public transportation thanks to this innovative addition.

With the station’s integration into a residential building, residents have convenient access to the monorail, potentially increasing their mobility and reducing commute times. This accessibility has not only improved the quality of life for those in the vicinity but has also made the property more desirable, leading to an increase in property values.