Futura: An Introduction

Futura AN INTRODUCTION

cap height x-height

baseline

Futura 1

2

3

[1]crossbars rest below meanline[2]near identical stroke weight [3]near perfect geometric shapes[4]smaller x-height

Geometric Sans-Serif

4

“a fusion of classical proportions with the

prevailing taste for geometric simplicity; its forms are not derived from modern technology, rather expressive of a

notional modernity. ”- Christopher Burke

Futura was designed in Germany by Paul Renner (1878 – 1956). In 1927, it was comissioned for Bauer Type Foundry. Renner designed Futura with Bauhaus principles in mind. In creating a sans-serif typeface, he wanted to do away with modeling after the serif typefaces that came before. Renner avoided including any unnecesary elements or decorations, instead favouring simple geometric shapes such as circles, squares and triangles as primary forms in his design. Futura includes many near perfect geometric shapes which were modified slightly where Renner felt it was necessary, corresponding to his knowledge on how people understand letterforms. Futura was originally intended for use in body text.

However, it later gained popularity for its use in advertisement and display.

Aa Aa Aa Aa Aa Futura Light

Futura Oblique

Futura Medium

Futura Bold

Futura Extra Bold

G A H O U a h o u

K

B C D I J K P Q V W b c d i j k p q v w

Arms of uppercase K intersect

E L R X e l r x

F G M N S T Y Z f g m n s t y z

j

M pointed apexes and overhangs

tail is straight

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 0 ! ?@ * $ % &

Architects, sculptors, painters – we all must return to craftsmanship!

For there is no such thing as “art by profession.”

Futura Condensed Medium 24/24 pt

There is no essential difference between the artist and the artisan.

Futura Condensed Extra Bold 24/28 pt

The artist is an exalted artisan.

Futura Medium Italic 14/16 pt

Futura Medium 24/26 pt

Merciful heaven, in rare moments of illumination beyond Futura Condensed Extra Bold 12/14 pt

but the foundations of proficiency are indispensable to every artist.

This is the original source of creative design.

Futura Medium 14/16 pt

Futura Light 26/28 pt

- Walter Gropius, Bauhaus Mainfesto (1919)