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“T h im e B i cr ta au t a i f ar ts on ha u t m , s – ist i a n fi i W f n c Gr a d sh eri gh op lte ile ip or ts tta a iu r n s nt d ism ”
The influence of Bauhaus on Typographic Design The Bauhaus art movement has greatly influenced modern day graphic and industrial design. The typography from the Bauhaus movement is credited for the development of both of those design areas. The main characteristics of Bauhaus design is a balanced layout, geometric shapes, vibrant colours, strong san-serif typefaces and not only horizontal and vertical layouts but angled, as well, or wrapped around objects. The Bauhaus was a school that was founded in 1919 by German architect Walter Gropius. It’s main objective was a radical concept at the time: to reimagine the material world to reflect the unity of all arts. The curriculum combined elements of both fine arts and design. At The Bauhaus students would undertake many workshops including one on typography. The typography workshop was not considered to be a high priority in the beginning of the movement but later became increasingly important because of highly influential designers in the movement such as Herbert Bayer.
At the Bauhaus, typography was considered to be an intrinsic way of communication and artistic expression. It’s main defining characteristic and need was visual clarity which came before all other aspects of the design. For many, these neutral sans-serif typefaces and simplified geometric forms were favoured as an alternative to the ubiquity of the heavily ornate German standard of blackletter typography which did not communicate information correctly. The movement inspired many typefaces such as Bauhaus 93. This typeface was a member of the Blippo font family which was designed by Joe Taylor for Fotostar in the late 60’s. Much like many typefaces, this particular variant of Blippo was inspired by Herbert Bayer’s 1925 Universal typeface. Bauhaus typographers inspired designers to create more neutral designs and typefaces that would be a more effective device for communication and influences that would soon be a predominant part of our everyday lives.
Graphik Issue 2 July 2017 AUD $15.99 NZD $17.99