Zero Per Zero

Korean graphic designers Zero Per Zero have created a series of subway maps with a twist, adapting themes related to cities into useful and attractive designs of their underground train systems. For example, Zero Per Zero’s Parisian metro map is loosely shaped to look like the Eiffel Tower, while the heart-shaped New York subway diagram references the famous ‘I Love New York’ t-shirts that are ubiquitous on Manhattan’s tourist trail.

Based in a small studio in Seoul, Zero Per Zero are made up of design duo Kim Ji Hwan and Jin Sol. Both talented professionals see graphic design linguistically, on a personal level, hoping that, “stories told in our own language can reach, be understood and sympathized by different people at different places”. This, as a traveller and design enthusiast, is definitely an appealing idea.
Plus, their maps look super cool and come pamphlet style, making them functional as well as stylish. I guess I don’t need my subway app anymore. Long live paper!

General stockist: http://zeroperzero.com/shop/shoplist.html
International stockist: http://supermarkethq.com/designer/19647/products