A new free app called Mind the Maze allows London commuters to collect and track every labyrinth artwork across all 272 London Underground stations. The artworks, created by artist Mark Wallinger in 2013 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the London Underground, feature distinct black-on-white vitreous enamel patterns with a red cross.
How the App Works
Developed by Ryan Dobson, the app is available for both iPhone and Android. Users can upload photos of each labyrinth as they discover them, ticking them off a list. The labyrinths are numbered according to the route taken by contestants in the 2009 Guinness World Records Tube Challenge. If a labyrinth is hard to find, the app provides clues. All completed stations appear on a map with a green pin.
Community and Exploration
Dobson told Londonist: “What I’ve found fascinating is that there’s a small but enthusiastic community of people using the labyrinths as a reason to explore parts of London they’d never otherwise visit. Hunting them has taken us to stations, neighbourhoods and corners of the network we would have completely overlooked.”
The app has turned the daily commute into a game, encouraging users to explore lesser-known stations and areas of the city.
