Urban Shape is a set of graphic maps designed by architect Paolo Gianfrancesco. The maps are based on Open Street Map data.
The series covers all the European capitals. The aim is to visualize in a vibrant and modern approach a classic urban map focusing on the urban shape through communication flows. Each capital has its own rhythm and balance, a hidden equilibrium between void and buildings. The research goes through a data reduction to better emphasize the core of the urban environment. Many capitals are shaped by natural phenomena such as a river or a mountain, or a coastline; some by a military division. The maps show the actual status of the open source mapping. As with old traditional maps, these describe a view of reality and not reality in itself. The cities are in continuous evolution; the urban reality is fluid and reshaped daily by man´s actions. As in past centuries, these maps are not telling the truth, but offering a point of view.
The choice of color is based on the Pantone color palette fading from the highest to the lowest population.
The choice of color is based on the Pantone color palette fading from the highest to the lowest population.
Hand-folded – ink jet print on Munken pure paper – 96 x 66 cm. Signed and numbered by the author.
