Boyer-Moraes – DESIGNING A NEW TRANSPORT MAP 2022

Description

Aurélien Boyer-Moraes proposes a redesigned “Frequent Network” map for Barcelona to address the visual clutter and poor information hierarchy of the official TMB surface-transit maps. After reviewing historical map iterations, he argues frequency should trump mere route multiplicity and criticizes excessive use of colours and identical line weights that obscure headways and service types. The design leverages Barcelona’s orthogonal Eixample and the Xarxa Ortogonal project, adopting a geo-schematic approach that emphasizes routes with headways under 10 minutes (34 routes) while remaining surface-oriented. Key graphic choices include black route lines on white major-ways with a light-brown background, heavier weights for very frequent or combined sections, and official TMB colour reminders for route IDs at termini. Termini are marked by squares and labeled in white-on-colour rectangles; typography distinguishes street names (Futura), network info (Acumin variants) and landmarks (Times). The map is intended to be clearer and more legible, though it lacks user-testing data.