wiedler.ch

book (design) story #208

werner blaser:
tempel und teehaus in japan

gewerbemuseum basel, 1955
printer: barfüsser-druckerei, basel
size: 21 x 15 cm
designer: armin hofmann

this 1955 exhibition at the gewerbemuseum basel on traditional architecture in japan is closely related to the book featured in story 57. armin hofmann (*1920), the influential "basel school" teacher, designed the covers of both the book and catalogue (and the very similar exhibition poster which is reproduced in richard hollis' outstanding book on swiss grahphic design, isbn 1856694755, p.195). the red on white coulour scheme is obviously inspired by the japanese flag.

compare how hofmann adapts the letter "h" on the left to fit the different format of the book and catalogue!

the contrast of black justified semi-bold sans-serif text blocks with minimal margins and white space seems to mimick japanese aesthethics – you could call that "tatami mat / shoji screen typography".