Farrow J – ARE STRAIGHT LINES NOW A TABOO 2022

Description

Jonathan Farrow critiques Transport for London’s recent Tube Map revisions—particularly the 2021 inclusion of Thameslink—arguing the line was poorly integrated, producing an unnecessarily snaking route and oversized interchange symbols. His redesign aims to restore Beck-style clarity by maximizing straight routing and reworking congested areas around King’s Cross, Farringdon, London Bridge and the southeast. He likewise straightens problematic Overground sections, corrects station placements (eg South Tottenham, Deptford) and criticises Denmark Hill’s exaggerated interchange. For the Elizabeth Line he prioritises prominence and better handling of paired stations (Farringdon/Barbican and Moorgate/Liverpool Street). On the Northern Line Extension he highlights cramped zonal shading, a misplaced riverboat symbol at Vauxhall and an awkward Kennington connector that falsely looks like two stations. He proposes clearer step-free access symbols (inline for normal stations, centered in interchanges, DLR-coloured) and reinstating dagger footnotes for station caveats. Though not a professional designer, he advocates preserving Beck’s principles and hopes TfL adopts these refinements.