Graphic Design and Architecture, A 20th Century History

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AIGA SYMBOL SIGNS

AIGA SYMBOL SIGNS

New York, New York, USA

Cook & Shanosky Associates (est. 1967), Designers

Princeton, New Jersey, USA

1975

In the 1970s, a committee of graphic designers,

under the auspices of the American Institute

of Graphic Arts (AIGA), developed an extensive

system of pictograms for the U.S. Department

of Transportation called Symbol Signs. This set

of passenger and pedestrian-oriented picto-

grams became the first U.S. symbol standard

for airports, train stations, and other public

transit facilities throughout the country. To en-

courage widespread adoption, the symbols were

offered free of charge to any qualified users. ...