DYSTOPIA

Book Design / 2023

For this project, I designed a comprehensive book that harmoniously integrates two disparate yet thematically linked texts. The foundation of this endeavor lies in the juxtaposition of George Orwell's seminal work "Animal Farm," published in 1945, and Reyner Banham's architectural essay "The New Brutalism," published in 1955. By weaving these distinct narratives together, I sought to explore the intersections between literature and architecture, inviting readers on a journey of intellectual discovery and aesthetic appreciation.

Central to the visual identity of the book is the meticulous selection of typefaces, each carefully chosen to evoke a specific mood and enhance the reader's engagement with the text. The sleek lines and elegant proportions of Balboa serve as the primary conduit for conveying the narrative, providing a sense of cohesion and clarity throughout the pages.

In juxtaposition to the commanding presence of Balboa Condensed, the macro text, drawn from Animal Farm, is rendered in Inter. This sans serif typeface lends a sense of openness and accessibility to the text while generating interesting compositions when viewed from a distance.

Complementing the macro text is the micro text, a custom variation of IBMPlexMono. Developed on the enFONT platform, this typeface strikes a delicate balance between legibility and artistic expression, serving as the perfect conduit for conveying Banham’s perspectives on brutalist architecture.

Image Source: Unsplash