Arch-able Typeface

Arch-able Typeface is an innovative typographic design solution specifically engineered for digital fabrication applications, developed by Japanese designers Takafumi Miki and Tomoki Mitsuhashi. This groundbreaking typeface system, which earned a Bronze A' Design Award in Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design category, comprises 26 letters, 10 numerals, and 26 symbols, all meticulously crafted to address common challenges in three-dimensional typography production. The typeface's distinctive characteristic lies in its carefully considered geometric structure, adhering to strict design principles including 45-degree angles, 4x6 proportions, and most notably, rounded corners that eliminate the traditional right-angle limitations found in conventional stencil typefaces. This innovative approach ensures compatibility with various digital fabrication tools, including drill bits and laser cutters, making it particularly valuable for architectural applications and DIY makers. The design philosophy behind Arch-able Typeface represents a harmonious balance between functional necessity and aesthetic refinement, incorporating stencil-style elements while maintaining visual elegance. Developed between November 2018 and January 2020 in Tokyo, the typeface emerged as a response to the growing digital fabrication movement in Japan, where practitioners frequently encountered difficulties with traditional typefaces in three-dimensional applications. The typeface's user-friendly nature and technical considerations make it an essential tool for both professional architects and amateur makers, effectively bridging the gap between digital design and physical production while maintaining high standards of typographic aesthetics.

Author: Adam Dawson

Keywords: typography design, digital fabrication, stencil typeface, geometric typography, architectural lettering, rounded corner typography

SOURCES:
https://competition.adesignaward.com/99349

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