Józsefváros
Signs

Storefront signage leaves a defining mark on the cityscape. Many cities create guidelines that tell you what you can do. In Budapest I found such a great variety of signs and typographic solutions that I started to document them. Walking through the streets of the Józsefváros district, I was hoping to find examples and patterns that could be considered as distinctive of the city.

 

After documenting the signs, I found that three typefaces were commonly used: ITC Benguiat, Belwe and University Roman. All three possess display qualities and are rooted in calligraphic styles. These became the starting point to design new letterforms.

 

Each typeface has it's own chapter in the book. I've included images of signs containing the typeface and its location. Highlighted distinctive features and presented exploration on new letterforms. 

 

Research and documentation

Type design

Editorial design

Product photography

 

Supervisor: Aliz Borsa

Camera supplyer: Zoltán Csordás

Printer and bookbinder: MPB Hungary