IDCNY Graphics Massimo Vignelli [front view]

Brochure for IDCNY (International Design Center New York) about Vignelli Associates being resposible for designing graphics and signage with quotes from Massimo Vignelli.

IDCNY opened in 1985 in renovated factory buildings in Long Island City with space for showrooms and other services for the interior design and wholesale furnishings industry. Vignelli Associates designed all the graphics and signage for IDCNY.

Text: The firm Vignelli Associates is responsible for graphics and signage at the International Design Center. Born in Milan, where he studied architecture, Massimo Vignelli and his wife Lella an architect, have been based in New York City since 1965. While Lella is especially interested in three-dimensional work, Massimo is keenly involved in graphic design. Their graphics programs for Knoll International, Sotheby’s, and Bloomingdale’s have won acclaim. “The Vignellis are total designers,” writes Barbaralee Diamonstein, “interested in shaping the whole environment.”

“The first thing that excites me about International Design Center, New York is the first part of the name and the last part. It is International ad it is in New York. No other place can say this. It represents what the city is all about…that this city is the center of the universe.

“The buildings in Long Island City are themselves good buildings. Even the raw space clearly shows the tremendous potential. It has open space that is so refreshing to work with.

“This is a big project: it will be a macro-environment, a city in itself. The Center will contain everything the designer needs, and it will stimulate creative thinking. It is a grand idea, and it is very near to fruition. It started as an idea, but now it begins to become a thing.” – Massimo Vignelli

Text from design:Vignelli exhibition label:
IDCNY, Graphic Identity Program, 1983-1989.
IDCNY is the International Design Center of New York, an international furniture merchandise mart in Long Island City, New York. The logo portrays elegance and strength through the choice of two contrasting typefaces. The program includes, graphics, invitations, publications, advertising, and signage. Based on three very basic elements - Bodoni type with black and red colors - the program is nevertheless extremely articulated and vibrant, and has achieved a very strong identity quite often imitated by similar organizations. Most of the pieces are designed by Michael Bierut and coordinated by Fern Mallis.