Gothamist: Freedom Tower Flag Faux-Pas

Steph

Tue, 26 Dec 2006 23:54:24 -0500

#7 - I whole-heartedly agree with you! These days... I'm more than ready to defect to Canada.

Tired

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 02:09:28 -0500

wow, wonder how many thousands changing that little decal or even "designing" and painting the beam cost.

great

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:53:55 -0500

#8 = Brilliant!

Paymaster

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 16:41:49 -0500

Vertically, from top to bottom, is how "United States" or "USA" is written on a rocket to be launched into Space.

Paymaster

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 16:06:30 -0500

Classic suburban wood obelisk street name signposts are designed to be read from top to bottom (like the ceremonial Freedom Tower column). They were typically painted white and placed at intersections, with each of the intersecting street names written on opposing sides of the square post in black block lettering. (Fifty years ago these signs were still the norm at intersections in unincorporated villages of the Town of Hempstead, Long Island.) I should note that the street name signs on the new MTA bus stops appear to me to be turned on end, and reading such signs makes me want to crook my head as one might in reading the spine of a book standing in a bookcase. My opinion is that the lettering on the column is done in this way to emphasize the verticality of the tower-to-be.

edEx

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 13:34:24 -0500

terrible design. just terrible. #6, Jeff's right. It's basic knowledge that type should never run vertically. Think book spine, it's as simple as that.

ts

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:29:10 -0500

The other day I saw our flag in the reflection of a mirror, thus reversing the blue field of stars. I thought nothing of it at the time, but now I'm wondering if I subconsciously hate freedom? I just thought I should report it in case I'm not complying with something.

adamks

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 11:45:16 -0500

it looks like a third grader designed this beam.

jeff

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 11:30:58 -0500

it is a basic typographic principle to not print text vertically, and if is neccessary, to turn the text on its side rather than "tower" it. too bad, I guess

kevin bracken

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 09:55:54 -0500

and here i thought the typeface was the most offensive part of it

flappin' in the wind

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 09:27:55 -0500

First of all, it's only misprinted once the column is stood upright. If they had printed it the other way the flag would have been upside down while the column was on its side and people were signing it. If you look at the US flag patch on the right shoulder of our troops you will notice the field of stars is on the left, This is because it is supposed to look like the flag being carried into battle.

union avenue

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 09:12:53 -0500

everyone makes mistakes, and tell me would you automatically notice. i doubt it.

S.D.

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 09:03:41 -0500

Rob, LOL, you beat me to it...

Rob

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:46:29 -0500

Why does the Freedom Tower hate America?