Knoll International newsletter Massimo Vignelli, Vignelli Associates · 1976

Tabloid newsletter for Knoll International cover text: “There is a growing perception, on the part of the consumer, of the difference between “things” and what those “things” do – object vs tool. Objects are usually static and contribute little to the quality of life beyond pride of possession. Tools, on the other hand, are productive and life enhancing. The implicit value in one is ownership, in the other use. And we think Knoll Task Lighting, designed by Sylvan R. Shemitz and developed by Knoll, for Stephens System Plus, is more tool than object: its premise, logical and straightforward. Knoll Task Lighting begins by focusing the light where the people are; gives them a real sense of their own place; and angles the light to make work a pleasure. And the system frees you to plan without reference to fixed ceiling patterns: the proper level of general lighting is supplied by uplighting from work stations and the Kiosk. The benefits of Knoll Task Lighting are twofold. You can achieve a perfectly balanced light environment, tailored to your needs, and at the same time cut your energy use in half. These energy savings translate into considerable dollar savings. We have a formula for computing these costs and estimating savings in your area. We’ve been talking to all sorts of people, gathering facts and data. We’re not going to spend a lot of time telling you about the outstanding quality, craftmanship, ingenuity, and design of Knoll Task Lighting. But rather, we’ll tell you what Knoll Task Lighting does and why, from a variety of viewpoints – people and professional. It’s all together here in the first of the Knoll tabloids.” Massimo Vignelli, design. Christine Rae, editorial. Jim Garrison, design assistant.