Abstract concrete shapes

News

Bob Noorda’s Legacy On Graphic Design

The work of Dutch-born Bob Noorda spans decades; the visual identities he has created for various entities can be characterized as succinct and effective. After graduating from the Instituut voor Kunstnijverheidsonderwijs (IvKNO) and moving to Milan, he transformed some of Europe’s popular brands and created his own firm, Unimark International. Noorda’s logical design nuances are reflected in his commissioned works, where simplicity yields a solution.

Graphic Design, Advertising,Branding

Graphic Design, Advertising,Branding

Noorda’s first “big break” was a series of print advertisements for tire manufacturer, Pirelli. What these ads lacked in copy, he made up for with vivid colors, juxtaposition of the product and a straightforward approach to the audience. These ads proved their efficacy, leading to Noorda being commissioned by other companies, such as ACNA, a fabric dye manufacturer, and Agip Fuels to refine their dog logo.

Graphic Design, Advertising,Branding

Graphic Design, Advertising,Branding

Graphic Design, Advertising,Branding

The recommendation of Bob Noorda and Unimark to overhaul the New York City Transit Authority’s (MTA) signage system was recommended by Mildred Constantine of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 1966. Coincidentally, this project would become his most famous work; his typeface and signage system still remains in use today. Following the success of his MTA project, other cities reached out to Bob Noorda to design cohesive and modern signage as well.

Graphic Design, Advertising,Branding

Graphic Design, Advertising,Branding

Despite the success of these public campaigns, Unimark closed all of their offices, except for the original location in Milan. Noorda continued to design for clients worldwide, followed by a brief teaching career at the Polytechnic University of Milan. Even though his earliest works were his most prolific, his ability to appeal to audiences through simplicity and logic in a beautiful execution has left an everlasting impression on the world of graphic design.

Images courtesy of © Display and © NY Times.

Information courtesy of © Petrolicious.

Tagged: News, Design

Share this post