Transit Maps: concept map

Historical Map: Concept for Helsinki Metro Diagram, c. 1974

September 27, 2017

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Historical Maps

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1974, concept map, Esko Miettinen, Europe, Finland, Helsinki, Helsinki Metro, metro, Ola Laiho, subway

Here’s something interesting – an early concept diagram for the Helsinki Metro that shows two lines instead of the eventual one (plus branch). It appears in the 1974 edition of Graphis Diagrams, a collection of the best informational design from around the world at the time (generally within the last year). Stylistically, it’s almost identical to the diagram that was actually used when the Metro finally opened in 1982… it just has a whole extra […]

Historical Map: Test MBTA Rapid Transit Map, 1991

August 24, 2017

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Historical Maps

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1991, 3 stars, Boston, concept map, Massachusetts, MBTA, rapid transit, subway, unused, USA

An unused test diagram for Boston’s rapid transit network from 1991. It attempts to name every station on the branches of the Green Line, but with the unfortunate side effect of completely dominating the design. The poor old Blue Line gets shoved into the top right, and the northern part of the Orange Line doesn’t fare much better. In short, the whole thing is hideously unbalanced, and I’m very glad that this concept didn’t advance […]