Substanz

Projects MA TYPE DESIGN

Paul Sturm – Substanz

Substanz is a typeface that can be customised and adjusted to diverse artistic needs. The type family contains two single-line cuts (Upright and Italic), which act as a gateway into the typeface, as they only become usable when something is added, e.g. a stroke or a pen. They constitute an interface for graphic designers to engage with the typeface and add their own ideas and “handwriting” to the design. The typeface is completed by four text cuts (Regular, Italic, Bold and Bold Italic), which aim for good legibility and balanced text colour. They are designed for situations where legibility is favoured over expression – for example in small sizes.

Diploma project (2023) by Paul Sturm

Know-how
Type design

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Projects related to Type design
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Diego Steiner – Hybrid Modules

BA GRAPHIC DESIGN

Diego Steiner – Hybrid Modules

by Diego Steiner

Hybrid Modules explores the link between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary technologies through the creation of a 3D-printed modular typographic tool for use with a manual letterpress. Designed on a grid, the modular alphabet becomes a set of physical dies, which can be inserted by hand into the press. The slow, repetitive process becomes an integral part of the visual language, making visible the time and care of the gesture. A series of A2 posters promotes a series of fictitious conferences entitled “ART, CRAFT & TECHNOLOGY - Guests in Switzerland”.
Type Design BA1 S1 2024/2025 – 2025 #2

BA GRAPHIC DESIGN

Type Design BA1 S1 2024/2025 – 2025 #2

with Robert Huber

  Designing a logotype means defining a strong visual identity anchored in a specific context. First-year Graphic Design students developed a hand-drawn logotype based on a subject, theme, or environment of their own choosing. This creation was informed by prior research in typographic archives. Each student produced a reference booklet and a specimen system based on six or more typefaces, to ground their visual and conceptual exploration. Balancing typographic culture and contemporary expression, each project investigates what makes a visual identity truly distinctive.  
Stephanie Wilson – Iconic

MA TYPE DESIGN

Stephanie Wilson – Iconic

by Stephanie Wilson

Iconic stands at the intersection of typography, social research, and inclusive design. It addresses a growing concern: making reading more accessible for senior readers. Through the development of a typeface named Iconic, the project aims to enhance reading comfort while offering an aesthetic, functional, and adaptable typeface suited to the changes associated with aging. The project was created in collaboration with senior-lab, a Swiss platform dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors. Grounded in a participatory methodology, this collaboration enabled a reality-based approach: available in serif, sans serif, sans semibold, and italics, Iconic was designed based on feedback and testimonials gathered from seniors during sessions held at ECAL.
Cyprien Valenza – Patterna

BA GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cyprien Valenza – Patterna

by Cyprien Valenza

Patterna is an experimental variable typeface designed around two axes: Weight and Weaving. Inspired by Cassandre's Bifur from the 1930s and the arrangement of threads on Jacquard looms, Patterna is based on a rigorous grid that structures shapes and spacing. Its modular layering system allows for graphic experimentation with variations, making each composition dynamic. Numerous alternates reinforce its formal richness. Patterna challenges fashion conventions by offering a modular, dense typeface designed as both a graphic tool and a writing system.
Hugo Scholl – Modulat – 2025

BA GRAPHIC DESIGN

Hugo Scholl – Modulat – 2025

by Hugo Scholl

MODULAT is a variable typeface designed around the concept of a musical visualizer. Starting from a neutral design, it branches out into multiple character sets, each allowing adaptation to different graphic and sonic worlds. Its variation axes enable it to adjust to a wide range of display formats, making it suitable for use across various digital platforms. Conceived as a modular tool, it questions how a typeface can accompany music while maintaining visual coherence. The project combines formal experimentation with a search for graphic adaptability.

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MA TYPE DESIGN
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