Metro's scientific symbols uncovered

This year we have a lot to tell, starting with a tour of our new headquarters, which has become a technological pride of Metro. It is a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) designed down to the last detail to protect the environment. It's development is based with low consumption in mind, producing their own electricity by means of photovoltaic panels, geothermal wells, lighting with natural light sensors and LED technology, as well as water use and green roofs. Its 24,000 square metres of facilities house the company's technological and administrative centre, where around 1,000 employees work.

We continue with another first that we bring to Science Week: the Gran Vía station. Not only does it look spectacular, it is also a pioneering station and an emblem for technological modernity, considered to be the first 4.0 station in Spain, and already marks the step into the future of Metro de Madrid.

Gran Vía is equipped with all the advances in intelligent transport, such as the new turnstiles and ticket vending machines, the new lighting and the modern information screens. It is a landmark station that has also managed to preserve its past with the recovery of the old San Luis Network pavilion, the ceramic mural installed in the hall and the museum space that houses the archaeological remains found during the refurbishment works.

Central Workshops

In addition to these important new features, this year, some of the visits from previous editions will be maintained, such as the visit to Metro's Central Workshops at Canillejas, with almost 40,000 square metres of floor space where a large part of the train overhauls and repairs are carried out. The same activity also includes an exploration of the Metro Lab facilities, where experiments are carried out with different materials and elements that can help to improve the operation of trains or facilities.

In the joint visit to the Fire Classroom and the Station Simulator, we propose a tour, on the one hand, of the fire detection, protection and extinguishing systems of the underground and, on the other hand, of the facilities where employees are trained on the elements and technology of the stations. Finally, the visit to Metro de Madrid's Maintenance Operations Centre (COMMIT) will provide an insight into the place where the maintenance of all Metro Madrid's facilities and communications is coordinated.

If you are interested in our Science Week activities, we recommend you to visit the website: https://www.semanacienciamadrid.org/.