Readymag Stories: Bauhaus Vkhutemas
Two schools set the direction of design education in the 20th century: Germany’s Bauhaus and the Soviet Union’s Vkhutemas, the Russian acronym for the Moscow-based Higher Art and Technical Studios. While any reference to the Bauhaus is immediately understood anywhere in the world, mention of Vkhutemas often goes unrecognized, even in Russia.
–– Readymag: Bauhaus & Vkhutemas
Without ignoring the differences between these two, we hope to suggest the parallel essence of the institutions and the nature of their programs in this timeline.
The typographic concept is based on typefaces corresponding to the narrative. While Futura represents the spirit of the Bauhaus, Kazimir Text is a reference to pre-revolutionary Russian typography. Lan is a custom typeface inspired by various (typo)graphic references that we have consulted during the design process. With its bold and modular construction, Lan serves as integrating visual element. Initially drawn as a limited set of drop caps, it was soon expanded so that it could be used for headings, too. Lan is currently work in progress. Once finished, it might be released under the OFL license.
1 Comment on “Readymag Stories: Bauhaus Vkhutemas”
For a more complete overview of the parallels between interwar Germany and the Soviet regime, I recommend John Willett’s Art and Politics in the Weimar Period: The New Sobriety 1917–1933.