Patrick Regan

‘—

Massimo Vignelli

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

I believe that Massimo Vignelli’s work id best used to show his versatility. He had the architect background and brought that to all aspects of design. He did not only use his skills to make logos or graphic designs but instead he also created home where and furniture. He wanted to bring his simplistic views to all aspects of design to make the world an easier place to live. The exhibit should show his strive for simplicity yet a focus on beautiful design.

Massimo Vignelli was born in 1931 in Italy. He studied to be an architect during World War II. He used to say that if he was born a generation earlier or later he would not have been a Designer because he would either have had to participate in the war or be involved with the reconstruction after. He met his wife Lella in college and because of there shared interests in architecture and design they got married and became business partners. They both moved to New York to start their own design company Vignelli Associates. He is best known for designing logos for such companies as American Airlines and Bloomingdales as well as reconstructing the New York City subway map. He is also known as the man who brought Helvetica to the US. He had a very modernistic design approach, which could also be considered timeless because his designs are everywhere even today. He believed a good designer looked at the world and tried to make it better. Take away the things that are not needed and make everything much more simple. There is an ease to all of his work that I find comforting and smooth to look at. It takes a truly talented designer to take something so simple yet be able to make it there own and new.

Massimo talked about how the materials that he would use to create the final outcomes for his design helped inspire him. He made a table out of just a sheet of metal and pipes that was so simple yet a beautiful design. He also used the grid and believed it was essential for design. Finally he had a need for his work to be immortal and timeless.