Columbia University Medical Center’s Department of Orthopedics approached us with a 200-page draft of the colorful 150 year history of the department, from it’s beginnings as a clinic in lower Manhattan just after the Civil War to the present. This manuscript begged to be read, and a large coffee table book, which was the original idea, would be too cumbersome to pick up and hold long enought to read. We needed a solution that made the text accessible for readers and accommodated photos, illustrations, and other items of graphic interest.

We responded with the concept of smaller books that divided the institution’s history into four separate eras, gathering them together in an attractive slipcase. The style of layouts, typography, and infographics reflects the eras described in each book, while archival photography depicts the department’s history of clinical care, research and constant innovation. In addition to concept, design and print production, hgD was responsible for implementing and coordinating all the photo research and info-graphics.

The book was premiered to rave reviews at a weekend-long national conference in New York City last May. Everyone loved the glossy box with its intriguing antique image­—it was like opening a gift. Then you have the individual books, chocked full of great stories, pictures and illustrations. The high production values invested in the printing really paid off. Dr. Loius Bigliani, Department Chair Emeritus and head of the project said: “This is terrific!!!!! hgDesign has created a masterpiece. I could not be more pleased with the book. Great photos and detail and really something to be proud of.” This project was designed to be a bookshelf item, kept and referenced and that is exactly what’s happening. It was a milestone in our relationship with CUMC, drawing attention and kudos from every quadrant, including the Dean and opened the door to work with other departments of this premier institution.