MARIENPLATZ Munich
Ingo Maurer and team, in collaboration with Allmann Sattler Wappner Architects, won
the competition for the redesign of the mezzanine level of the “Marienplatz” subway
station, which lies below Munich’s central square and is one of Munich’s major trans-
portation hubs for subway and suburban trains.
Originally, a white ceiling was proposed in the competition. With a test installation at
our premises, Ingo Maurer and team were able to convince the architects and the
decision-makers, some of whom are members of the city council, to opt for the red
luminous ceiling, which was ultimately implemented.
Designing an intriguing solution for a large space with a relatively low ceiling demands
unusual ideas. The lighting elements were arranged in groups of six lines and placed
meticulously to meet the requirements for even brightness.
The design combines lighting elements in groups of three stripes each, powered by
purpose-designed LED modules. In some groups the stripes are broken up into two
shorter ones and thereby build a kind of rhythm and slight alternation.
The mock-up room at Ingo Maurer: The ceiling is covered with panels in a vivid orange-red colour. The
colour takes up the orange/yellow wall covering of the lower level of the subway station and is used to
underline the relevance of Marienplatz as both historic and contemporary city centre and as a major
junction of subway lines.
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