Functional by Design: Revisiting The Vignelli New York City Subway Map
Massimo Vignelli designed a diagram of the New York City subway system in 1972 that has been almost universally recognized as a classic and beautiful piece of civic design. Using simplified train paths running in only 45- and 90-degree angles, vibrant colors, and Helvetica type, the NYC map became the a trend setter for urban planners worldwide.
Now Vignelli has redesigned his seminal work, taking into account three-decade’s worth of change around the Big Apple. Fans of design, public transportation, or those who just really heart NYC, can celebrate the new map as well, with a limited edition 36
Comments
Ben
hmm, i like the vibrancy of the old one more, but that could be a difference in file. beautiful either way.
A. Wofford
Hype. Some things were bound to happen, sometimes one guy gets all the credit.
A. Wofford
...twice.
Andy
With all due repect to Massimo Vignelli, I think he'd be the first to admit that he based his NYC subway map on Harry Beck's London Underground map, designed in 1933, which is the true design classic and represented a massive step forward in public graphic design.
I like Vignell's new design. It's more legible and less cluttered.
Cheers,
Andy
John
I like the old version, mainly because I know it and my pocket version has notes written all over it. Since i only get to NYC a couple of times a year I want things a close to the way I left them as I can get.
Also the sequels usually suck.
Claus
mmmm Helvetica....
Jonathan Fung
I like the new one better.
Speaking of which, I'm going to be in New York a few weeks from now! Free trip to New York thanks to Goldman Sachs. It doesn't get much better than that.
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