Experimental Type - The City by Ray Bradbury Part II

Abstract

The concept for the layout comes from the idea that the city’s “flaws” are becoming more visible. The image of cracks on the spread shows that the city’s modest façade is gradually breaking apart. Similarly, the theme is echoed by the text being staggered across the column grid to imitate fissures to emphasize the unstable, apprehensive atmosphere of the narrative. The tight leading of the body text also reinforces the tension felt within the story. The city’s unravelling is most evident through its senses by reacting with what it sees, hears, smells, touches, and tastes as the men explore the surroundings. Teko is the typeface chosen for the city's personification as the thick, wide letterforms emulate the mechanical and oppressive nature of the city.

Additionally, the body copy uses IM FELL Double Pica because the dated appearance of the typeface reflects the city’s age and how long it has waited to exact its revenge on its visitors. Furthermore, the italicized text represents the city’s thinking during the visit. The faded text in the background symbolizes the dominant, recurring thought that the city hungers for vengeance against the men. Finally, only the last portion of the story is right-aligned to reflect that something is “off” with the astronauts as they have been converted into robots before they return to Earth to cause ruination.

Department: Design

Faculty Mentor: Constanza Pacher