NYBG The New York Botanical Garden: Manual of Graphic Standards, c. 1973–75 [Massimo Vignelli]

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG): Manual of Graphic Standards, c. 1973–75. The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York. 8.25 x 11.75, stapled, pp. 28 plus wrappers. Designed by Vignelli Associates [Massimo Vignelli], New York. Printed in an unknown quantity, likely for promotional and internal use only and never sold publicly.

Uncommon. With an Introduction by Howard S. Irwin, NYBG President: ”This manual of graphic standards sets forth a precise design program intended to coordinate all visual communication efforts by the New York Botanical Garden.” Furthermore, ”I urge all staff, consultants and suppliers to cooperate with the implementation of this program so that its effectiveness can be achieved most consistently and satisfactorily ...”

This manual establishes and defines the fundamental parts of the design system and presents policies and standards for their use. Vignelli referred to this as a minimanual for a nonprofit organization that ”gives a tremendous opportunity to get down to the bones, to give the essential information and skip all the superfluities.”

Standards feature thoughtful explanations and black and white illustrations for all including: Symbol, Size Formats, Folding, Grids and Grids for Other Sizes, Typefaces, Typesetting, Stationary (with color specification; PMS 368), Envelopes, Grid for Vertical Form, Internal Publications, Special Activities, Certificates, Periodicals, Publications, Programs, Posters, Directional Signs, Pictographs, Outdoor and Indoor Identification Signs, Information Signs, and Information Signs on Buildings.