Behind the Scenes: Crafting Bengaluru's Namma Metro Logo and Its Deep Cultural Roots
Bengaluru, a city known for its dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, has an emblem that not only signifies efficient transportation but is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the region — the Namma Metro logo.
In this article, we delve into the artful story behind this emblem, exploring its roots in tradition, the symbolic connection to the city’s transport network, and the thoughtful UX design that goes beyond functionality.
Tradition Meets Modernity: The Spiral Rangoli Connection
As a UX designer, I have a problem in that I always try to find the reason behind a design pattern or logo which is why they have made this. So as with the Namma Metro logo.
I have recently shifted to Bengaluru for my new job. Here, I have to travel with the metro to commute to my office from my PG room. I started recognizing that there are a lot of spiral patterns printed on the metro station board. But I did not get any idea why they did this.
In the morning time, when I used to go to the metro station from my PG room, I always see a lot of white color spiral rangolis made in front of each house. From, there I connected the points and got to know something very interesting from one of my friends who is from Bengaluru only.
1. The Spiraling Tradition:
The inspiration behind the Namma Metro logo lies in the age-old practice of crafting spiral rangolis. These intricate patterns symbolize the welcoming of the divine into homes, a cherished tradition in Bengaluru.
2. Apology in Art:
Bengaluru locals create spiral rangolis as an apology to the goddess for walking on the earth with bare feet, rooted in Hindu Sanatan Dharma. This artful expression seeks forgiveness and invites the goddess into the household.
The Namma Metro Logo: A Cultural Tapestry
1. Patterns of Connection:
The logo intricately weaves patterns reminiscent of traditional rangolis, establishing a cultural connection with the local populace. This design brilliance goes beyond mere aesthetics, resonating with the cultural identity of the users.
2. UX Design Brilliance:
From a UX design perspective, the logo’s familiarity ensures a meaningful and authentic experience for commuters. It becomes more than just an emblem; it becomes a reflection of the cultural identity of those who use Bengaluru’s metro system.
Colors Speaking Volumes: Purple, Green, and White
1. Purple and Green Palette:
The primary color palette of purple and green reflects the vibrancy of Bengaluru, adding visual appeal to the logo and tying it closely to the city’s identity.
2. White Highlights:
White highlights in the logo not only add sophistication but pay homage to the traditional rangoli’s white canvas, bridging the past and present seamlessly.
The Infinite Connectivity: Unraveling the Symbolism
1. Spirals of Connectivity:
The spiral design symbolizes the interconnectedness of Namma Metro stations across the city, mirroring the seamless flow and continuous connectivity facilitated by the metro network.
2. Dots as Stations:
Each dot within the spiral represents a metro station, ingeniously communicating the network of stations and creating a cohesive visual narrative.
3. Infinite Connectivity:
The arrangement of dots in a spiral suggests infinite connectivity, emphasizing the extensive reach and accessibility of the metro system, going beyond physical connections to become a symbol of convenience and accessibility.
Conclusion: A Symbol Beyond Transportation
The Namma Metro’s spiral logo, with its roots deeply embedded in Bengaluru’s traditions, goes beyond being a mere emblem of transportation.
It becomes a powerful symbol of the city’s connectivity, seamlessly weaving together the threads of tradition and modernity. As the dots form an endless spiral, the logo communicates not just the physical reach of the metro but also the unbroken threads of tradition and modernity woven into the fabric of Bengaluru’s transportation landscape.
