Munich. The shopping center under the Stachus is nearing completion, and it seems the appearance of Marienplatz underground station also now needs an improvement.

Munich transport company (MVG) announced that an architect competition was started for the transformation of Marienplatz. The construction work should be ready to start at the end of 2012.

Marienplatz station was opened in 1971 and apparently there is damage to the building work that require a fundamental restructuring. Some areas - think of the infamous toilet facilities - are downright considered substandard and not a good environment for the kiosks and small shops.

MVG Chief Herbert King promises that the work starting in 2012 would have provide a more pleasing experience. "Our goal is to give a contemporary, friendly and open appearance to the station. The clarity and therefore the feeling of safety for the pedestrians and passengers should be increased", he commented in his press statement. The new concept is to casually open the possibility of extending the existing shopping space, and thereby also to exploit secondary areas.

Special attention will be given to the lighting: a new concept example used for Münchner Freiheit underground station would be possibly applied. The winner design for the Marienplatz will be unveiled in late 2010.