Munich’s new metro design wins two awards

More space plus innovative lighting: the C2 trains have an elegant look to them. Copyright: SWM/MVG/N+P Industrial Design

The design of Munich’s new C2 type underground train has won two awards: the Universal Design Award 2013 from a panel of experts, and the Universal Design Consumer Favorite 2013 award from a panel of consumers. The design is the work of internationally-renowned Munich vehicle designer Alexander Neumeister, the founder of N+P Industrial Design. As with the previous version it was developed in close conjunction with Munich Public Transportation Company (MVG), a subsidiary of Munich City Utilities (SWM). The trains will be built by Siemens Rail Systems in Vienna and Munich.

More space plus innovative lighting: the C2 trains have an elegant look to
them. Copyright: SWM/MVG/N+P Industrial Design

The reasons given for the award include: “Externally, the C2 metro represents the future of rail, with its lighting and semi-transparent, extensive surfaces. The excellent lighting leads the way in public transportation; it represents safety and a certain speed. The train has a very open, transparent design – this also makes it look hygienic and it is easier to clean.”

The new metro trains are heavily based on the familiar design of the previous generation of vehicles (C-train). Further development of the proven vehicle design has made the new trains even more customer-friendly, economical and ecological than the C1 type. A great deal has been adopted from the latest development in metro vehicles, which is marketed by Siemens under the name Inspiro. Delivery of the new metro trains is scheduled for the end of December 2013.

The Universal Design Award is an international competition, with prizes awarded annually since 2008. All contributions submitted are critically examined and assessed by experts as well as a panel of consumers. This year, the awards received 121 submissions from ten different countries.