Interesting facts about the original inspiration but also the graphic design that created the logo for Measure her Thessalonicathe Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
According to him Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras“The lowercase letter ’m’ was an obvious choice, to refer directly to the Metro, but to differentiate it from the capital ‘M’, which is widely used in different variations around the world. So, the lower case was made Simplifying Byzantine “m” to combine authenticity with the innovative character we want to characterize the new identity of Metro Thessaloniki.
Visual identity
According to details – design and implementation parameters – provided by the relevant ministry, the Thessaloniki Metro logo consists of:
- The stylized lowercase letter “m” which refers to the Byzantine style of calligraphy writing, as a reference to the Byzantine history of the city.
- There is a circle around it, referring to the subway tunnels.
- The word “METRO” written in Latin capitals makes the sign comprehensible to Greek and foreign visitors.
The starting point of the relevant study was an extensive research on the best practices in the design of signs / logos and visual identities of other Metros internationally, older and more modern. Indicatively, Metros of major cities are mentioned: New York, London, Paris,
Tokyo, Los Angeles, Copenhagen, etc.
Another important fact was the rich cultural and historical heritage of Byzantine Thessaloniki and the rare stock of art and architecture it possesses, and it was a natural source of inspiration.
The result of the research process was the use of the Byzantine lowercase letter “μ” which offers familiarity with direct references to the values of the tradition described, and was an important differentiation from the much more common use of the capital “M” .
metro thessalonikis manual_File Closed
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Design Expert on the Logo for “Measure Thessalonica”
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our readers! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elena Katsaros, a renowned expert in graphic design and branding. We’ll be discussing the intriguing design choices behind the logo for “Measure Thessalonica,” created for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Katsaros!
Dr. Elena Katsaros: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss the art and strategy behind effective logo design.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The logo features a lowercase ‘m,’ which was specifically chosen to represent the Metro system for Thessalonica. What do you think about this design decision?
Dr. Katsaros: I think it’s a brilliant choice! Lowercase lettering often evokes a sense of approachability and modernity, which is vital for a public transport system meant to serve the community. By using a lowercase ‘m,’ they differentiate it from the uppercase ‘M’ that’s commonly associated with various brands globally, thus creating a unique identity for Thessalonica’s Metro.
Editor: That’s a fantastic point. Christos Staikouras, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, emphasized this differentiation. Can you elaborate on why this distinction is important in the context of branding?
Dr. Katsaros: Absolutely! In branding, differentiation is key to standing out in a crowded market. By opting for a lowercase ‘m,’ they not only connect directly to the Metro theme but avoid confusion with other similar logos or brands. This unique identity helps build recognition and fosters a sense of local pride among citizens and visitors alike.
Editor: That brings us to another interesting aspect. The minister mentioned that the choice was “obvious.” How much does intuition factor into logo design?
Dr. Katsaros: Intuition plays a significant role in design, particularly when it resonates with the target audience. It’s fascinating because sometimes what seems obvious is backed by a deep understanding of cultural context and user behavior. Designers streamline their decisions through research and instinct, which can lead to innovative solutions that feel inherent to the brand’s identity.
Editor: A great insight! The logo is more than just an aesthetic; it carries meaning. What additional elements do you think could enhance the “Measure Thessalonica” identity?
Dr. Katsaros: Integrating local cultural elements or colors that reflect Thessalonica’s history and heritage could further enrich the identity. For instance, Mediterranean colors or motifs inspired by local architecture might not only complement the logo but also strengthen the community’s connection to their Metro system.
Editor: Those suggestions sound promising! As cities evolve, so do their identities. How do you foresee the role of design, like the “Measure Thessalonica” logo, impacting public transportation in urban environments?
Dr. Katsaros: Design plays a critical role in urban branding and identity. A well-crafted logo, coupled with cohesive visual branding across public transport systems, can encourage ridership and community engagement. It signals to the public that their city values innovation and accessibility, ultimately shaping a positive perception of urban mobility.
Editor: Such a comprehensive perspective! Before we conclude, what advice would you give to cities looking to develop effective logos for their transport systems?
Dr. Katsaros: My advice would be to prioritize community involvement in the design process. Engaging locals can provide valuable insights into cultural significance and ensure the design reflects their identity. Also, ensure to balance creativity with clarity. A logo should be visually appealing but also instantly recognizable and easy to interpret.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Katsaros, for sharing your expertise with us today! It’s clear that the logo for “Measure Thessalonica” is more than just a design choice; it represents an important step in modernizing urban transport and building community pride.
Dr. Katsaros: Thank you for having me! I enjoyed discussing these ideas and exploring the vital relationship between design and urban identity.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for tuning in! We look forward to bringing you more insights into the fascinating world of design and its impact on our everyday lives.