h3. Name of Concept: RIT's Design Imperative


h3. Overview

The Vignelli Center for Design Studies will open in Fall,2010.  This Center will foster educational program activities that embody, in different ways, all the criteria that have been articulated  in Vision 2025.

h3. How this idea leverages current areas of RIT expertise

It supports innovation

It supports interdisciplinary activities for faculty, students and programs

It is international in scope with existing partners in other countries

It will have unique archival resources for scholarship

h3. Identify the main RIT on-campus champion(s) for this idea

R. Roger Remington, Vignelli Distinguished Professor of Design, School of Design, College of Imaging Arts & Sciences

h3. Identify additional on-campus champions willing to collaborate with this individual and take a lead role in driving the idea

David Pankow, Tim Engstrom, Mark Smith, Alan Reddig

h3. Is there potential off-campus advocacy and support for the idea?

Yes, Rochester General Hospital, Sheffield Hallam University, Royal College of Art, Folkwang School, University of Venice

h3. How you envision this idea advancing RIT's national or global stature in an important or emerging field

This is best expressed by Rick Grefe, Executive Director of the American Inst. of Graphic Arts, The Vignelli Center for Design Studies will be instrumental in defining the role of design in society and commerce. It recognizes and celebrates the work of Massimo and Leila Vignelli, who are, arguably, the most influential designers of the past fifty years, for they have demonstrated that design can make the complex clear, can enliven both popular culture and the civic experience, and delight the human spirit. RIT's commitment to archiving the artifacts of creativity will allow future generations to appreciate and build on the contributions of the Vignellis and other American greats in an unprecedented way.

h3. Why you believe RIT has a unique opportunity or an ability to differentiate itself through this idea

It is out of the relationships we establish among ourselves, while participating in this enterprise and it is with the fruits of our cumulative efforts, born as we proceed toward clearer expressions of an understanding of our times, <br>&nbsp; that we can expect a prophetic style and image to emerge.

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