Stachus is one of the most important rapid transit hubs in Munich and also one of the most congested city squares in all of Europe. Our complete redesign of the underground arcades restores this urban public space to the people by redefining it with elements from the private realm.
Light-coloured surfaces, high-quality floor coverings and ceiling and wall cladding that define the space create a deliberate contrast to an urban environment that is primarily designed to meet functional requirements for transport and access to public transport.
There is a stimulating tension between people’s expectations of the space and their actual experience of the architecture in the Stachus Passages.
The circular form of the historic Stachus Rondell directly above the arcades offers a key identity-shaping motif. The resulting correspondence between above and below helps pedestrians navigate the arcades.
The previously disordered group of retail and food outlets is now arranged around the central hub in a conceptually easy-to-understand space. A navigation system and reliable signage help guide visitors through the mezzanine area, meeting all their needs in terms of transfers, access and orientation within the space.
Competition:
Realization:
Specialist planners:
Obermeyer Planen + Beraten GmbH, Munich (Structural design, Building services)
R+R Fuchs Ingenieurbüro für Fassadentechnik, Munich (Facade)
Integral Ruedi Baur, Zurich (Signaletik)
Schmidt König Lichtdesign, Munich (Lighting design)
Photography:
Brigida González