A Playful Take on Letters in Public Spaces
Letterforms
This project involved designing a 3D letterform inspired by typography found in public spaces, using 1/8” plywood within a 5”x5”x5” format. I was assigned the letter “J,” inspired by the pixel-style text on STM ticket machines, and paired it with a “C” based on a bold, stylized version seen on Peel Street, resembling “Hertical Sans Smooth.” Laser cutting allowed me to highlight each letter’s unique characteristics with precision.
Brainstorm
For this project, I went around town and took photos of the letter J in public.
Final Product
For my "J" letterform, I drew inspiration from the STM ticket machine screen at Vendôme station. The letter may not match with any existing typeface, as the machine uses a default display optimized for pixel screens. However, many contemporary fonts capture the same nostalgic, pixelated style. To bring this concept to life, I crafted the letterform using 1/8” plywood.
Brainstorm
For this project, I went around town and took photos of the letter C in public.
Final Product
For my “C” letterform, I found inspiration in a sign on Peel Street. It featured a unique rendition of the letter with a noticeably thicker stress than a typical “C.” After researching, I discovered that the closest match to its structure was “Hertical Sans Smooth” by Edignwn Type.​ I crafted the letterform using lasercut plywood, allowing me to emphasize its distinctive qualities with more precision and craftsmanship.
