Pictograms for the Central Link light rail stations
Pictograms as a wayfinding element
Stellar Connections is a pictogram system created by artist Christian French to provide wayfinding assistance to riders of the Link light rail system. Each station of Link is represented by an image that is used in station signs, maps and in printed materials, so that riders can quickly and easily identify their destination - even if they don't read or write English.
About the images
Stellar Connections are constellations; stars in each constellation reflect points of interest around each station and its surrounding community. Nearly all cultures have a rich history of gazing at the stars and imagining the stars connecting into pictures that represent figures in their mythic traditions. Stellar Connections uses that history and tradition to create signs that identify the light rail stations.
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Westlake Station - Tiara
The tiara is a playful decorative item anyone at any age can wear and a fitting symbol for a neighborhood that sparkles.
Constellation points: Westlake Station, Westlake Park, Pike Place Market, Victor Steinbrueck Park, Paramount Theater, Washington State Convention Center.
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University Street Station - Spectacles
A hub for the arts - music, theater, literature and visual art - this neighborhood is nothing if not "Spectacular."
Constellation Points: University Street Station, Central Library, Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall, Fifth Avenue Theater, University of Washington (original location).
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Pioneer Square Station - Frigate
Seattle's original settlement survived on lumber sales to ships' captains. the steamship "Portland" docked her with a ton of Klondike gold, triggering the gold rush of 1897-1898.
Constellation Points: Pioneer Square Station, First and Yesler, Coleman Dock, Seattle City Hall, King County Justice Center, Occidental Park, Klondike Museum, King Street Station, Union Station.
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International District/Chinatown Station - Dragon
Dragons symbolize wisdom, power and mystery, and remain an active symbol in use throughout the neighborhood.
Constellation Points: Int'l District/Chinatown Station, Union Station, King Street Station, Kobe Terrace, George Tsutakawa sculpture, Wing Link Asian Museum, Hing Hay Park.
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Stadium Station - Torch
What is competition about if not victory? With the universal embrace of the Olympic Games, the victory torch is a perfectly suited image for this neighborhood.
Constellation Points: Stadium Station, Qwest Field and Events Center, Safeco Field
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SODO Station - Anvil
Since filling the tide flats and laying the railway tracks that secured Seattle's growth, the area known as SODO has been dedicated to works, warehouses and industrial fabrication.
Constellation Points: SODO Station, SODO Center, Link Operations & Maintenance Facility, Rainier Brewery, Beacon Hill Tunnel.
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Beacon Hill Station - Kite
A kite poetically evokes a sense of light and air, as well as community spaces and summber picnics - items that play prominent roles in Beacon Hill's neighborhood plan and history.
Constellation Points: Beacon Hill Station, El Centro de la Raza, Beacon Hill Library, Beacon Hill Reservoir, 12th Avenue Viewpoint.
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Mount Baker Station - Mountain
With views of both Mount Baker and Mount Rainier, a mountain is a natural symbol here.
Constellation Points: Mount Baker Station, Franklin High School, Sick's Stadium site, Coleman Park, Olmstead Boulevards, Mount Baker Park.
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Columbia City Station - Dove
A dove is suggested by virtue of point alignment and evokes the actual constellation "Columba," the dove.
Constellation Points: Columbia City Station, Columbia Park, Carnegie Library, Rainier Valley Cultural Center, Ark Lodge, Orca K-8.
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Othello Station - Deer
Part of the naturally occurring fauna in this region, deer have had a long history here, often swimming across the lake from Mercer Island. The last of the deer population was relocated in the 1950s.
Constellation Points: Othello Station, Othello Playground, New Holly Library, New Holly.
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Rainier Beach Station - Heron
An elegant heron with wings spread echoes the theme of flight represented by one of the major artworks at this station: Darlene Nguyen-ely's "Dragonfly."
Constellation Points: Rainier Beach Station, Thistle Street P-Patch, Rainier Beach High School, Rainier Beach Library, Pritchard Island Park, Atlantic City Park.
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Tukwila/International Blvd Station - Canoe
Tukwila's history is intimately connected to three rivers. this symbol pays homage to both traditional river travel as well as the future of transportation linking Tukwila and the region.
Constellation Points: Tukwila/Int'l Blvd Station, Tukwila City Hall, Fort Dent Park, Hazelnut Park, Foster Park, South Gate Park, Duwamish River, Duwamish Park, Duwamish archaelogical site, Boeing Access Road, Foster High School and Library.
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SeaTac/Airport Station - Flying Carpet
Nothing evokes magic, mystery and delight of flight quite like a magic carpet. SeaTac is the "Hospitality City" and has rolled out the carpet in welcome.
Constellation Points: SeaTac/Airport Station, Sea-Tac International Airport, SeaTac City Hall, Tyee High School, SeaTac Library, Angle Lake, Biscoe Park, Valley Ridge Park, Bow Lake Park, Cemetery.
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How the constellations were conceived
Step 1: French researched each station and found points of interest that could be found both currently and historical in and around the station. These points of interest make up the stars of the constellation.
Step 2: He then connected the stars to create a framework of the station's constellation.
Step 3: From this framework, a pictogram is revealed.
Project Contact
Jennifer Babuca
Art Program Coordinator
Phone:206-398-5120
jennifer.babuca@soundtransit.org
