99% Invisible Mini-Stories : Volume 13
Jan 12, 2022
Explore the eerie tunnels beneath the U.S. Capitol, revealing their ties to history and modern conspiracies. Dive into the controversy surrounding Munger Hall's prison-like design and its impact on student well-being. Uncover the artistic journey of New Order's 'Blue Monday,' a single that reflects the tension between creativity and profit. Discover the vibrant legacy of the Jazz Cup design from the late 80s and the enigmatic artist behind it. Finally, appreciate how timeless design continues to inspire and resonate with new generations.
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Capitol Tunnels & Insurrection
- Elliot Carter, a D.C. intern, explored the Capitol tunnels and created a website documenting them.
- His maps were later used by January 6th insurrectionists, prompting an FBI tip and a House committee investigation.
Dormzilla Controversy
- Munger Hall, a proposed UCSB dorm, sparked controversy due to its small, windowless rooms, designed to encourage socialization.
- Critics worry about its impact on student mental health.
Blue Monday's Design Fiasco
- New Order's Blue Monday, designed by Peter Saville, was the best-selling 12-inch single but financially disastrous.
- Its floppy disk-inspired design, with die-cut holes and color banding, led to high production costs, causing the label to lose money on each sale.