The Glorious Design of the Original Vignelli Subway Map
- One minute read - 120 words
New York City Subway Guide, 1970-1972
The New York City subway map is so iconic you can build an identity around it. You’ve seen it, or its 1979 redesign by Michael Hertz, printed on coffee mugs and t-shirts and chico bags.
But here’s how it appeared when it was originally conceived by Massimo Vignelli.
But a new map is afoot, more angular, sharper, and crisper. No doubt it renders on the dense screens of mobile phones better.
The current MTA weekday subway map, for comparison, hastily shot at Grand Central
Regardless of which you prefer, you can’t possibly conceive of modern design without Falling Water, the Eames chair, the iPod, the iPhone, the Olivetti Valentine typewriter, or the NYC map.