Topographic Typography

University of Illinois at Chicago School of Design
2018

Alphabet, physical models, installation view.
Letter C, physical model.
Letter W, physical model.
Letter Q, physical model (detail).

Topographic Typography

Conducted at the UIC School of Design this class project taught by Amir Berbić engages the study of three-dimensional typography through exploration of relief conditions with letterforms. Starting with 2D characters cropped within a square format students manipulate form-counterform / height-depth relationships to achieve three-dimensionality. The collection of individual models designed and fabricated by students forms a 3D alphabet. The project examines how digital fabrication can expand the way graphic designers engage the physical act of making and looks at new typographic forms that emerge in the process.

course instructor
Amir Berbić
student / designer
Tessa Alioto
student / designer
Evelyn Andrade
student / designer
Miguel Castro
student / designer
Harley Friedman
student / designer
Galvan Alejandro
student / designer
Hyatt Hasanieh
student / designer
Brent Hurlbert
student / designer
Megan Kwiatkowski
student / designer
Elijah Mendez
student / designer
Demir Mujagić
student / designer
Christian Ortiz
student / designer
Kory Richmond
student / designer
Natalie Schmidt
student / designer
Kimani Smith
student / designer
Josua Stabner
student / designer
Jane Taylor
student / designer
Darmawan Truong
student / designer
Thomas Webb
digital rendering
Andreina Yepez