Students explore new typographic possibilities by reimagining a modular Gothic minuscule, drawing inspiration from the work of German Renaissance artist and type designer, Albrecht Dürer. By studying Dürer’s original Gothic minuscule included in the book “Of the just shaping of letters”, students identified the distinctive nature of the letter “S” within the type system— an outlier in a set of otherwise seamless and uniform letterforms. The “S,” with its more intricate curves and shapes, became the focal point for redesign, offering students the opportunity to push the boundaries of traditional Gothic letterforms. Their innovative redesigns reinterpreted the “S” to better integrate with the modular system while still preserving its unique character. Through this process, students experimented with balance, complexity, and legibility, resulting in fresh, modern interpretations that retain the historical roots of Dürer’s original design. The display showcases the diverse and creative approaches to this challenging letter, highlighting both the versatility and potential for reinvention within the Gothic type style.
Project completed for Typography I, Spring 25.
Instructor: Anika Sarin.