The type that surrounds us

Abstract

This body of work examines the relationship between the urban space and typographical elements found within it. It investigates the influence of urban typography in the formation of a sense of space, questioning how the type that surrounds us affects the way we interpret our environments. In order to obtain a better understanding of how we are affected by our urban environments numerous theorists and literature was referred to in the contextual review. This primarily included; Guy Debord’s Theory of The Dérive (1958) and Yi-Fu Tuan’s humanistic geography perspectives (1979) . The role of typography in the urban context was also explored, as were studies relating to the different effects of typography, such as “The Feeling Value of Lines” by A. T. Poffenberger and B. Barrows (1924). The primary method for collecting data consisted of the act of walking, following Guy Debord’s method of the dérive. A number of Maltese localities were explored to examine the correlation between the typographical elements found within a place and its influence on how the place is perceived and the sense of place that is formed. This data pertaining to typographical findings and cultural observations was gathered through the use of photographs and notes. Following this examination of different localities, a singular locality was selected to further examine and showcase in the final project. The final project showcases Ħamrun, a locality that is brimming with culture yet stereotypically considered to be rough around the edges. Photographs documenting typographical findings were gathered and presented as a collection in the form of a coffee table book. By interacting with this book, one would be able to intimately get to know a place through the typographical elements found within it; questioning the role of typography in the creation of a sense of space.