The design of public transportation fabrics is one of the most ubiquitous and consistent “beauty-in-the-everyday” visual experiences people have in relation to a space. One immediate example that comes to mind is the beloved PDX Airport carpet. This deep connection between design and space is often expressed in the myriad of merchandise available. People even get tattoos of the pattern!
The Instagram account @idontgiveaseat is a large collection of public transportation fabrics and patterns. There’s definitely a mix of beauty and horror.
The type of fabric used on these seats is moquette and according to the London Transport Museum:
Moquette was chosen for public transport for two reasons. First, because it is hard wearing and durable. Second, because its colour and patterns disguise signs of dirt, wear and tear. On top of this moquette had the advantage of being easy and cheap to mass-produce.
My sister-in-law pointed out that the London Underground began creating unique moquette patterns to each line. Some of these designs are available for purchase in a wide variety of products and furnishings:
