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Swiss Graphic Design Histories

Swiss Graphic Design Histories

In the concluding publication of a major research project by a number of universities into ‘Swiss style’ in the post-war years, the design skilfully undermines an effusive celebration of the familiar. Three small-format volumes with a white softcover and small titles in different colours appear unassuming and soberly present the central issues. The titles are placed at differing heights on the three covers, and this hierarchy is continued in the type areas of the pages of text: these too are aligned with the respective titles, leaving white spaces of varying sizes at the top margin. A navigation system with long page titles, made up of a number of keywords for each text, creates structure across the three volumes. As is often the case with books on ‘Swiss style’, the page layouts reference familiar grid principles, but here the treatment is relatively playful. Of particular importance is the image editing, with an innovative selection and composition turning the spotlight on many lesser-known individuals and works.

Editors
Davide Fornari, Lausanne (CH); Robert Lzicar, Bern (CH);
Sarah Owens, Zürich (CH); Michael Renner, Basel (CH);
Arne Scheuermann, Bern (CH); Peter J. Schneemann, Bern (CH)
Authors
various
Design
Simone Farner, Naima Schalcher, Zürich (CH)
Printing
DZA Druckerei zu Altenburg GmbH, Altenburg (DE)
Publisher
Scheidegger & Spiess, Zürich (CH)
ISBN
978-3-85881-868-3

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