The New York City subway system is known for its unpredictability, with trains often experiencing delays and other issues. However, a new piece of wall art called Metroboard aims to bring a touch of beauty to the chaos of the city’s transit system. Created by a team of artists based in Los Angeles, Metroboard is a light-up infographic displaying the infrastructure of major U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, and Washington DC.
The Metroboard is designed to resemble a Christmas tree of metropolitan infrastructure, with LED lights representing different subway lines and stations. The lights change in real-time based on information received from various transit authorities, making it a visually dynamic piece of art. The design team, led by artists Kirill Safin and Emily Perkins, drew inspiration from a cross-country train trip where they experienced the subway systems of the cities featured on the Metroboard.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Metroboard is also functional. It can be connected to home WiFi to receive real-time updates on train schedules and delays. Users can customize the display settings, choosing between color or plain white lights, adjusting brightness, and selecting whether to show trains in transit or only at stations. The Metroboard is powered by a single USB-C cable and features a walnut frame with an all-aluminum face.
Design Rules Company, the studio behind Metroboard, is set to launch the product in September. Customers who reserve a Metroboard for $3 will receive an $80 discount on their first order, bringing the price down to $189. The retail price after the launch will be $229. The team at Design Rules Company has plans to expand to non-U.S. train systems in the future, with a potential focus on London’s tube system.
Overall, Metroboard offers a unique blend of art and functionality, allowing commuters to bring a piece of the city’s transit system into their homes. As someone who navigates the New York subway system regularly, I can appreciate the beauty of Metroboard and the way it captures the essence of urban transportation. Perhaps one day, we’ll see a Metroboard inspired by the intricate metro system of Tokyo, showcasing the efficiency and complexity of international transit networks. Until then, Metroboard stands as a creative interpretation of the daily commute, reminding us of the interconnectedness of city life.
