DESIGN / TRANSDISCIPLINARY / TYPE EXHIBIT



IT'S A TYPE OF AN EXHIBITION



An Exhibition On Typography In The Paris Metro System



Typography is an important subject that creative professionals constantly use to communicate efficiently; for laypersons it is a completely unknown domain being directly influenced by its application. Designed as a hypothetical project, the exhibition introduces viewers to the understanding and application of typography through fifty typefaces at different metro stations across Paris.



Being a highly specialised yet relevant topic, it was feared that it may not be accessible to the actual intended audience. Hence a robust public transport system like the Paris Metro becomes the stage to house the exhibit, making it open to public view, without any interruption in their daily routine and thereby enriching their commuting experience.



The exhibition educates the views about topics such as Introduction to Typography, the Anatomy of Typefaces, their Classification and further detail each subject through fifty typefaces at fifty different metro-stations spread all across the city. Each metro line corresponds to a sub-classification of typefaces with stations on that line belonging to the same sub-classification.






The following diagram explains how junction stations contain the overall information about typography as a subject whereas the individual stations detail individual typefaces.





The classification of typefaces becomes the center point for the exhibit system, creating the bridge between the content and the space.



Typography Classification Diagram



The diagram illustrates the three main classifications, and the thirteen sub classifications of typefaces along with the corresponding metro lines.


On each metro line, the corresponding classification and sub-classification is highlighted (as shown below) informing the visitors about where in the exhibit they are and giving them a glimpse of the other possible sub-classifications to be explored.





One typeface from each classification was chosen and panels were designed based on the characteristics of the typeface. Each typeface is allotted four panels where visitors would be introduced to the typeface and given a brief insight into the anatomy of the typeface, how it is different from other typefaces in the same sub-classification, the same classification and other classifications and also given examples of the use of the typeface.



Didot Introduction Panel



Didot Anatomy Panel



Didot Comparision Panel



Didot Usage Panel





As shown, the didot panels are designed to show the high contrast in the typeface. The other two typefaces that were chosen were Helvetica and Bauhaus. Panels reflecting their characteristics are designed and shown below.





Considering that the aim of the exhibit is to be as non-intrusive as possible, The already present advertising space is used to exhibit the panels.





Collaterals such as a brochure to introduce the metro users to the exhibit and guide them through it have also been designed. The brochure contains all the relevant information that the visitors would need to be able to successfully navigate through the exhibit. It also contains a metro map overleaf, which is layered with information about the lines and stations housing the exhibit, making it easier for the visitors to plan their route efficiently. The brochure also becomes a take-away for the visitors to reflect back on the exhibition.


UPDATE: Visitors can also be prompted to install an app on their smartphones giving them much more information regarding the exhibit.





The following diagram provides an example of how visitors are expected to view the exhibit.





The infographic below is a birds eye view of the exhibit. The visitor can enter the exhibit at any point and leave at any point, however, being imagined as a set of concentric circles, any slice of the infographic still allows the visitor to experience every aspect and gather all areas of information about the exhibit and topic on display in proportion to their visit.








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