Setting up and signage for the Milan Underground

The Compasso d'Oro 1964 has been awarded to the architects Franco Albini and Franca Helg and to the graphic designer Bob Noorda for the particular qualities of the architectural coordination and organization of the signage for the new Milan Metropolitana underground stations. These qualities can be best seen in the effort to directly describe the architectural environment through communication; the in-depth study of the set of signals, their hierarchical relationships and their location; in the technological and dimensional organization of the internal surfaces of the various spaces, aimed at the unification without reduction of the various elements, and in the counterpoint of the materials. The jury also intends to underline the importance of the fact that a public body wanted to make best use of its own economic and organizational resources by turning to highly appreciated specialists for their creative work.