Maps are more than tools—they’re stories. In this episode, Andrew Lynch takes us on a journey through the subway systems of New York and Washington, revealing the secrets of abandoned lines, unrealized designs, and the choices that shape how we move through cities. If you’ve ever wondered what’s beneath the streets you walk, this episode is for you.
- Purpose of Maps: A good map depends on its purpose. It should clearly define parameters like orientation and navigation but can also tell deeper stories about history, context, and unrealized plans.
- Geographic vs. Diagrammatic Maps: Diagrammatic maps like Harry Beck’s iconic Tube map simplify navigation, but geographic maps reveal the complexity and reality of subway networks. Andrew Lynch balances both in his work.
- The Evolution of Subway Mapping: The New York City subway map has evolved from Massimo Vignelli’s modernist approach to its current version, each reflecting different priorities—art, utility, and user psychology.
- Storytelling Through Maps: Andrew’s maps explore what the subway system was, what it could have been, and what it might become, highlighting the importance of understanding historical layers and abandoned infrastructure.
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How the whole thing works, with Andrew Lynch
Maps are more than tools—they’re stories. In this episode, Andrew Lynch takes us on a journey through the subway systems of New York and Washington, revealing the secrets of abandoned lines, unrealized designs, and the choices that shape how we move through cities.
Randy
