Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type

Kimberly Elam

Princeton Architectural Press, Aug 12, 2004 - Design - 120 pages

Although grid systems are the foundation for almost all typographic design, they are often associated with rigid, formulaic solutions. However, the belief that all great design is nonetheless based on grid systems (even if only subverted ones) suggests that few designers truly understand the complexities and potential riches of grid composition.
In her best-selling Geometry of Design, Elam shows how proportion, symmetry, and other geometrical systems underlie many of the visual relationships that make for good design. Now, Elam brings the same keen eye and clear explanations to bear on the most prevalent, and maybe least understood, system of visual organization: the grid.
Filled with extensive research and more than 100 informative examples from the Bauhaus to Nike ads, Grid Systems provides a rich, easy-to-understand overview and demonstrates a step-by-step approach to typographic composition. It suggests design strategies that transcend simple function and reductionist recipes to allow grids to become a means of truly dynamic communication. Any designer, educator, or student will benefit greatly from this elegant slim book, chock-a-block full of colorful examples, helpful vellum overlays, and Elam's insightful analysis.

Contents

• Table of Contents 5 Introduction: 5
• Project Elements and Process: 7
• Constraints and Options: 8
• Proportion of Elements: 9
• Grouping: 10
• Negative Space and Grouping: 11
• Perimeter Edge and Axial Relationships: 12
• The Law of Thirds: 13
• The Circle and Composition: 14
• Horizontal Composition: 17
• Brochure for Die Neue Typographie: 35
• Cover Page and Text Page from The Isms of: 35
• Spread from the Catalog of Bauhaus Products: 35
• Theatre Am Hechtplatz Advertisement: 36
• SamataMason Web Site: 40
• Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies Graphic Program: 42
• Sothebys Graphic Program: 44
• Table of Contents Spread for The New Urban Landscape: 45
• HorizontalVertical Composition: 46
• Zürcher Künstler im Helmhaus Poster: 61
• Nike ACG Pro Purchase Catalog: 61
• Program for Zurich Universitys 150th Anniversary: 61
• Best Swiss Posters of the Year 1992: 63
• Festival dété Summer Festival Program Spread: 64
• Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture and Planning Posters: 69
• Diagonal Composition: 71
• Kandinsky Poster: 89
• Page from Reklama Mechano 90 Page from The Next Call: 90
• NationalZeitung Newspaper Poster Series: 91
• Title Page Studies for the Freiburg Municipal Theatre: 92
• Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture and Planning Lecture and Exhibition Posters: 92
• Typographic Hierarchy: 97
• Identification of the AIDS Virus: 104
• The Beginning of Communism in Cuba: 107
• Levis Become Fashion: 112
• If the glove dont fit you must acquit: 117
• Acknowledgments 118 Image Credits 118 Selected Bibliography: 118
• Index: 119

About the author

Kimberly Elam is chairperson of the Graphic and Interactive Communication Department at the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type; Design Briefs : Priciples of Organizing Type; Design briefs : essential texts on design; Design briefs
• Author: Kimberly Elam
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press, 2004
• ISBN: 1568984650, 9781568984650
• Length: 120 pages
• Subjects: Design / Graphic Arts / General; Design / Graphic Arts / Typography