Reinvigorating the “Dancing Cs”
In 1974, Paul Rand designed Columbus Indiana: A Look at Architecture. This book showcased the city’s modernist architecture. The cover featured a playful motif referred to as the “Dancing Cs,” and with Rand’s permission, Columbus adopted the dancing Cs as its graphic identity.
In 2017, the Columbus Area Visitor’s Center leadership initiated a project to connect four neighborhoods with design. The goal was to develop neighborhood graphics that allowed for visible connections throughout the city by giving form to the unique personalities of each neighborhood.
Rick Valicenti and Bud Rodecker led the research and design process in collaboration with Elaine Lopez. Our process began with community engagement presentations and interviews, as we believe that Columbus residents know their city’s design legacy best. Many vibrant exchanges revealed that the community had a keen awareness of design. This creative process was richly rewarded with inspiration from Columbus residents.
Our design process put forth the hypothesis that graphic design, like architecture, needs to be maintained.
Download the Neighborhood Graphics Resource Book
Design Direction
Rick Valicenti
Bud Rodecker
Design
Taek Kim
Zach Minnich
Bud Rodecker
Research
Greater Good Studio
Elaine Lopez
Photography
Adam Reynolds