Alexander Girard: Battling the Bland Office
In 1971, Alexander Girard decided to inject some color and pattern into the modern office, combating what was becoming a sea of bland beige.
Girard designed more than 40 graphics as part of the Environmental Enrichment program. Created to work with Herman Miller’s Action Office system, the graphics were silkscreened on cotton panels that could be applied to panel walls, file drawers, acoustical panels, and practically any flat surface. The graphics could also be bought unmounted and hung as art.
Girard’s panel graphics varied from bold geometric patterns to the iconic Love Heart to a smiling moon sporting an American flag—seemingly inspired by the, then recent, moon landing. The panels were distinctly Girard and brought visual interest to any environment. They were one of the last projects Girard did for Herman Miller.