London’s iconic Tube map design grows two new stations
As the London Tube map grows to include two brand new stations, we speak to the designer safeguarding its famous design codes
When it comes to developing the design of the London Tube map, there is no such thing as one small adjustment, says Transport for London (TfL) head of design Jon Hunter. ‘As a product, the Tube map is entirely interconnected, so even a small change can result in large sections of the map needing to be redrawn,’ he explains. ‘Is there enough space on the current map to accommodate the change and, if not, what do we need to move or change to allow it to be included?’
It was a consideration that came into play with the first major Tube extension this century, with the addition of new stations Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station in a move that puts previously neglected south London on to the Tube map.
The new stations are represented by a curving loop already seen in other parts of the map, such as between Liverpool Street and Aldgate. To ensure consistency, strict design standards specify everything from the thickness of the lines and dimensions of the angles to the spacing of the station names.
As well as conforming to these design codes, tweaks to the design must also respect physical boundaries. ‘One of the constraints that we face when adding additional content to the map is the symbiotic relationship with other elements that must appear,’ adds Hunter. ‘For example, the River Thames, other nearby lines and the fare zones, which often combine to determine the eventual design solution. The representation of the Northern Line Extension was created using the existing design elements. The design continually evolves as we consider what additional information would be useful to customers, for example including short walking interchanges between some stations.’
The resulting contemporary design, even when allowing for these changes, is still rooted in the classic and original version of the map designed by Harry Beck in 1933. ‘As a truly iconic design, we seek to evolve the Tube map to best suit the ever-growing size of the network. The recent launch of the TfLGo app provides the same design language in a digital format, but allows for personalisation by the user.’
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
Corfu hotel Domes Miramare redefines beachfront bliss
Make like Jackie O at Corfu hotel Domes Miramare, a property with contemporary luxury and echoes of 1960s glamour in spades
By Bridget Downing Published
-
Art Basel Hong Kong 2024: what to see
Art Basel Hong Kong 2024 sees the fair back bigger and better than ever. Navigate the highlights with our guide
By Lauren Ho Published
-
This office interior by Faye Toogood is a communal space that encourages collaboration
The new Hato Studio London offices by Faye Toogood encourage IRL collaboration through a tactile environment
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Samuel Ross announced as artistic director of London Design Biennale 2025
London Design Biennale 2025 will mark the event’s fifth edition, under the artistic direction of Samuel Ross and with a theme of ‘Surface Reflections’
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Design highlights from Collect 2024 at Somerset House
Collect 2024 is on view at Somerset House from 1 to 3 March: here are the highlights from the fair’s design and craft offering
By Melanie Grant Published
-
Bang & Olufsen's London showroom mixes sound, culture and sustainability
Newly opened on Bond Street, the new Bang & Olufsen London showroom combines a sensitive modular design approach and contributions from local creatives
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Ron Arad classics made by Dakar artisans on view in London
The work of Ron Arad is part of Opera Gallery’s ‘Untitled Rencontres’, on view until 7 January 2024
By Amah-Rose Mcknight Abrams Published
-
London designers take over an abandoned house, and stage a Christmas Market
On The Square is a collaborative project led Rio Kobayashi, bringing life and a design Christmas market to an abandoned Victorian house in east London
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Dolce & Gabbana Casa lands in London with two new locations
Dolce & Gabbana Casa opens in two new London spaces, a Brompton Road boutique and a store within Harrods, dedicated to the house’s world of furniture
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Newson’s Yard is Pimlico Road’s new design hub
Open from 1 November 2023, Newson’s Yard on Pimlico Road is a new design destination located in a former 19th century timber yard
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
PAD London 2023 beautifully merges contemporary and classic design
PAD London 2023 highlights – what to see as the fair returns to Berkeley square for its latest edition
By Rosa Bertoli Published