Public transport maps are something we use every day to get around, but some of them transcend this to become incredible forms of artwork! Here are some of the most beautiful in the world.
#01 MONTREAL (pictured above) One of the few maps with a black background, Montreal’s high-contrast map is a stunner.
#02 LONDON Harry Beck’s map of London set the international standard for metro system maps with a diagrammatic non-geographical layout.
#03 MADRID This clean and simple contemporary map borders on minimalist and is one of the most stunning examples worldwide.
#04 WASHINGTON DC The latest incarnation of DC’s metro map is a stunner with bold & clear graphics, but the layout also accentuates the sensible radial layout of the system and heiarchy of the city.
#05 COPENHAGEN Copenhagen’s rail maps are Scandinavian design masterpieces. The city map is simple and clear, but also geographically correct. The commuter rail map is more diagrammatic, and highlights the way the system works.
#06 AMSTERDAM Another geographically correct map with bold, simple graphics, Amsterdam’s simple map is an icon of design.
#07 SINGAPORE Singapore’s map is a highly rational descendent of Beck’s London map, and beautiful overall with bold and simple graphics.
In 2019, an alternative map by designer Cliff Tan went viral online and convinced the government to change to a new more geographically correct map with the circle line depicted as an actual circle:
#08 NEW YORK New York’s current map wouldn’t make any top 10 list, but Vignelli’s iconic 1970’s map of NYC is a design icon.
#09 MUNICH German rail systems are known worldwide for their efficiency. Their rail maps are no exception- the Munich map in particular is a super efficient. I like how the map shows how all of the commuter lines converge along a parallel route through the centre of the city.
#10 TOKYO The chaotic jumble that makes up the Tokyo Metro is super confusing, but the chaos also makes for an incredible map, less diagrammatic and more of a mesmerising pattern.
Check out other lists on Archigardener!
Maps property of their respective transport authorities.
