Photographic portraits of Berlin’s astounding U-Bahn typography
“I have a personal obsession with 70’s design and the Berlin U-Bahn is particularly rich with examples from this era” says Australian-born photographer Kate Seabrook to Creosote Journal’s Aurora King. “My favorite stations are mostly along the U7 between Berlinerstraße and Rathaus Spandau. I love tracing the development of 70’s pop art morphing into 80’s postmodernism during the journey. These stations were designed by Rainer G Rümmler. Pankstraße station on the U8 (also a Rümmler creation) is another favorite for the use of the fabulous ’70s Octopuss font designed by Colin Brignall. Coincidentally, the same font was also used for the cover art of a Blondie release of The Tide Is High. Changing lines at Fehrbelliner Platz is like going in a time machine. The U7 platform is a bold Rümmler design with a bright orange arrow guiding the train into the tunnel. Upstairs on the U3 platform you can see a more austere and classical early 20th century design by Wilhelm Leitgebel. More often than not, I will hone in on the typography and tiling rather than taking photos that show the wider atmosphere of the station and commuters” she added. Immerse yourself in the wonderfully diverse
U-Bahn typography here.
Tags/ travelogue, berlin, kate seabrook, u-bahn, transit, public signs