Language, its visualisation and its scenic application are at the centre of the studies of Typography at the Muthesius University.
The Bachelor’s study programme is formed by intensive work with the medium of writing and its forms of expression. The students deal with the history of writing and printing, not only in theory but also practically by trying out different methods, such as e.g. with a fine or broad nib, and also get to know and use older printing and production techniques such as hot-metal typeseting or bookbinding for their own designs. They study the dfferent forms of writing and develop a feeling for characteristics and their effect on the reception of language. In the various applications – from writing via letter paper, placards and posters, up to complex book design – the students learn to use writing and typefaces objectively. In experimentation, they investigate how far deviations or irritations can make design interesting and enrich it, and begin to develop their own themes.
In the Master’s programme with its focus of Typography and Design, working with writing techniques is intensified and at the same time more room is given to free work. The students develop projects which move within the field of classical book deisgn as well as experimental peripheral areas of design. A focal point of the stuidies is working with language. The students are encouraged not only to visualise but also to write texts themselves or to take on the role of an editor. The courses offer experiments with language, both with the voice and with texts, and look at the relations between them. Not only the semantic but also the corporeal and sensual characteristics of language and writing are utilised. Crossing the boundaries to other artistic disciplines such as literature, music, theatre, fashion or film can become a source of new themes and design ideas.
The focal point of Typography at the Muthesius University has been headed by Prof. André Heers und Prof.in Annette le Fort since 2009. It is formed by close cooperation with the lyrical poet Prof. Oswald Egger, who is professor for Language and Form in Communication Design, with the Dutch designer Albert-Jan Pool, who offers typeface design in both Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and the Institute for the Science of Art, Design and Media, the theoretical centre of the university. Additional workshops of international designers and artists such as e.g. the Dutch artist group “De Geuzen”, the Danish book artist Kasper Andreasen or the Italian composer Alessandro Bosetti, open up the studies and provide important impulses. An important location is also the symposium Dialogue of Writing, which is held every two years in Kiel and to which international designer, artists and theoreticians are invited.
The talks are accompanied by an exhibition of typographical works.
Questions?
Prof. André Heers
T 0431 / 5198 – 449, heers@muthesius.de
Prof.in Annette le Fort
T 0431 / 5198 – 446, lefort@muthesius.de
