Signs at the border

Fast Company has published a short interview with Michael Beirut of Pentagram on the subject of the recent decision to dismantle a set of 21’ high letters designed for the US crossing station at the Canadian border in Massena, NY. The story briefly describes the chronology of design, and the subsequent decision to remove the letters for security reasons. I was impressed by Beirut’s subtle discussion of the issues at hand and his determination not to fall into the easy and predictable mode of good design advocate vs. bureaucratic cretins. I was particularly moved by his awareness of the difficult tasks facing individuals who are charged with insuring our safety and security. This is a good read!

Click here to read the interview.