Geotype Submission

The Geotype project charts the rich history of lettering and type forms that have established the identity of cities and towns around the world. Explore the map

How does this letter-form communicate its location?

This subway sign (and the corresponding, nearly out of circulation 'train arriving' light-up) is from the DeKalb station, in Brooklyn, NY. Like all MTA signage, this is classically laid out in Helvetica, chosen in the late 1960's for a modern redesign of an already half-century old system. In addition to the modern feel, Helvetica was chosen for it's ease of reading, often times by straphangers in a hurry (or confused tourists attempting to navigate a seemingly endless maze of tunnels and transfers). From the New York Times: "It looks so comfortable there, not just because it is familiar, but because its character mirrors the city’s. Helvetica is simple in shape with no decorative details; like New Yorkers it is tough, blunt and pragmatic".

Location

395 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA