Map of Shanghai with district labels on a white background

Archie's Press - Shanghai Circle City Map Letterpress Print

$ 28.00

Measures 8 x 8 inches.

Shanghai is the largest city in China by population. My collaborator and Chinese native Li Han and I focused on making this the simplest design possible, but this obviously points to the epic complexity of the city.

Why Circles?

Circles are the simplest shape for our eyes and brain to understand. When faced with a swathe of circles, we're not as overwhelmed by the information. It's easy to look at, and easy to read.

Neighborhoods don't have corners: When you're in-between three different neighborhoods, which neighborhood are you in? There are no-man's lands all over a city.

Not only do circles create a contained space, but they also imply entire worldliness. In old times, a village was often mapped in a circle, which was probably the whole world to its inhabitants.