This design for a map of Valencia, Spain (my adopted city) is a follow-up to my design for a map of London (see that project here). In the process of designing both, I have been developing a "retro" visual language inspired by designs from the early 20th century, that make use of limited colour palettes and clear, refined typography. My intention is to produce a series of printed maps in this style of different cities around the world.
This map focuses on three prominent areas: the round shape of the old centre of the city (Ciutat Vella), the course of the Turia Gardens (Jardins del Túria) across the centre, and the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) to the south-east. The orientation has been rotated slightly to aid the composition, so it is now orientated N-NW.
The typeface used throughout is Brandon Grotesque, with the exception of labels for religious buildings (Kursivschrift) and the title at top centre (adapted from Telegrafico). All names are written in the local Valencian language.
Overview of the whole map, in what I call a 'classic retro' colour scheme: orange, green, blue and black. It is designed to be printed at 50 x 70 cm or larger.
Detail of the north-eastern section of the old city (Ciutat Vella).
Detail of the neighbourhood around the Mestalla stadium and the University of Valencia.
Detail of the City of Arts and Sciences, including the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, Hemisferic, Museu de les Ciències and the Agora.
Detail of the Russafa and Gran Vía neighbourhoods behind the Nord railway station and Bullring (Plaça de Bous).
Detail of the south-western section of the old city (Ciutat Vella) and the Botànic and Petxina neighbourhoods.
Detail of the north-western section of the old city (Ciutat Vella) known as El Carme.
Detail of the Jardins de Vivers and surrounding neighbourhoods.
The same design, in an alternative monochromatic colour scheme.
Different colour scheme possibillities.
Information sources: OpenStreetMap, Google Maps and various historical maps of the city.
