3D Typography (Part 1)

I am currently working with Jim Stevens, a colleague who teaches at architecture at Lawrence Tech, to develop a series of 3-dimensional typefaces. The letterforms use a simple set of rules as the basis of creation. Here are the main ones:

1. The character system is arbitrary. Letters can be anything, in this case, simple geometries are combined and subtracted. This system could be entirely abstract (like dots and dashes of morse code and brail). In this case there is some resemblance to traditional latin characters for ease of learning the new system.
2. No character can look the same. Whether through form or use of color, or both, characters must maintain a unique identity. Latin alphabets where similar letters mirror each other (ie. d, p, q, b) can’t exist in 3-d space.
3. Each letter should have rotational symmetry along at least 1-axis. This allows for the character to be easily recognized from multiple vantage points.
4. Color can be used to resemble architectural elements. In this case brick and mortar.

Essentially the type is connected by ball joints which allow for the type to be set in multiple directions. We are currently in the process of rapid prototyping the pieces, following the jump is a look as some of the process and its results.

The letters were modeled using Rhino (which currently has a beta version for the Mac). The letters are set to print using special software for 3D printing (a ZCorp printer to be specific).

The printer basically uses inkjet technology. First it lays a composite powder down then prints a binding agent (and color if necessary) to build the shapes. When all is said and done you have to excavate the finished object.

The finished pieces are finished using a special binder, similar to super-glue which bonds them together making it super strong. Here are some of them.

The finished pieces will be on exhibit in Chicago in January. After the exhibit I will be sure to post images.