HUGUENOT an original typeface designed by Rebekah Rhoden
2013
Table of Contents concept
3
development
5
character design
7
majuscules
11
miniscules
13
numerals
15
punctuation & symbols
17
application
19
Concept synopsis
history
Drawing inspiration from iconic typefaces such as Helvetica and Tungsten, Huguenot was created with the intent to merge the clarity of Modernism with the familiarity of WPA-era America.
The Peace Center was built in the 1980s as a last resort to revive a rapidly dwindling downtown area. The mayor of Greenville organized a committee to construct a performing arts building in hopes that a new entertainment venue would stimulate a renewal in commerce.
The architecture of Philip Johnson’s Glass House was a significant influence in the conceptual basis of Huguenot. Additionally, the Modernist design rational of Dieter Rams and Charles Eames further sculpted Huguenot’s identity.
purpose Good typography is designed for a specific purpose, and Huguenot is no exception. After careful consideration, the decision was made for Huguenot to be used for the identity and branding of The Peace Center in Greenville, SC. As the premier performing arts venue in downtown Greenville, The Peace Center serves as a cultural landmark of the downtown area.
3
The Peace Center was constructed on a six-acre site on the corner of Main and Broad Street. To preserve Greenville’s rich heritage, The Peace Center was built into the already existing buildings at the site: a deteriorating Confederate Army factory, an old mayonnaise factory, and the Huguenot Mill textile factory. These three original buildings were restored to create the majority of the complex that stands today. In 2012, a major renovation project added Modernist touches to this historic building, including a sleek glass-and-steel facade. This recent renovation echoes the changing tone of Greenville as a whole—a trend towards embracing Modernism while preserving Southern culture.
clear structural harmonious
Development inspiration
sketches
Above all, the intended tone of each letterform needed to resonate as simple without being simplistic. Each form must be subtly expressive without relying on ornamentation. To achieve the desired outcome, the focus remained centered on adhering to Modernist principles while incorporating stylistic aspects of The Peace Center itself.
The sketch on the right was the starting point. This shape best resonated with the desired style and overall concept, and once this form was resolved, it was altered to enhance clarity and stroke consistency.
Inspiration for the shapes seen in Huguenot was taken both directly and indirectly from the actual physical structures found in and around The Peace Center complex.
process The design process began with the miniscule a. Decidedly, this character would contain the majority of the typographic DNA of the typeface, and each curved character would be derived from the basic shape of the a.
5
Character Design lineage Huguenot carefully blends aspects of Helvetica and Tungsten to create a typeface that is precise and structural while maintaining sophistication and familiarity. Huguenot merges Helvetica’s smooth curves and rounded shapes with the verticality and compactness of Tungsten without sacrificing legibility or clarity.
letterforms The miniscule a is the basis for the entire Huguenot alphabet. Once the design of the a was determined, the majority of the curved miniscule letterforms fell into place. With simplicity as the basis of every conceptual decision, each letterform was intended to have an even balance of positive and negative space. The counters within each letter feel open without relying on strict geometric principles.
7
a a a
a
sgo u cp
anatomy
summary
The H has a crossbar that is slightly elevated from the center of the letterform, which adds to the verticality.
Individual letterforms within the typeface contain subtle nuances that give Huguenot its unique identity. The entire alphabet is based on a series of repeating curves and angles that create a consistent rhythm. Although consistency is key, in certain circumstances it is necessary to make optical adjustments to enhance legibility.
The curve of the g is more round at the top, in contrast to the flatter bottom. This allows it to sit comfortably on the baseline, creating a sense of stability. The m has more of a dip where the two shoulders meet, which is different from where the shoulder meets the stem. This feature creates more distinction between the two shoulders, increasing legibility. The k demonstrates how the cap height and the ascender height are equivalent. This attribute incorporates structural uniformity throughout all characters. The t is decidedly shorter than all other ascenders, which heightens the verticality of taller forms and creates a smooth transition between shorter and taller letters.
9
C X
B D
Hgmkt
ABCDEFGH I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z regular 11
A B CDEFGH IJKLM N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z oblique
abcdefg i j k l m n p q r s t v w x y
h o u z regular
13
a bcde fg h ijklm n o p q r s t u v w x y z oblique
0 1 2 3 4 56789 regular 15
01234 56789 oblique
. , ! ?& regular 17
. , ! ?& oblique
Application effective
complementary
Huguenot takes its job seriously. Its tall x-height allows for maximum readability while maintaining a sleek and sophisticated presence. Huguenot is strong without being overbearing. It conveys any message with clarity, whether it be a large header or a small numeral at the bottom of a page. Don’t let its simplicity fool you; practicality speaks louder than novelty.
Huguenot plays well with others. It neither steals the spotlight nor fades into the background. It pairs well with a wide variety of typefaces, whether they be contemporary or classic.
versatile Huguenot wears many hats. Created specifically for branding The Peace Center, Huguenot was designed to play many different roles. Posters, sinage, logos, and programs are Huguenot’s specialty. It is successful as display text as well as in small amounts of copy. It thrives both on screen and on paper. Like any skilled performer, Huguenot is suited for a wide range of creative jobs. But most importantly, it knows its audience.
19
timeless Huguenot stands the test of time. With its roots deep in typographic history, Huguenot maintains its relevance by not relying on design trends or fads. Its simple and clean structure allows for consistent use throughout the years without becoming overexposed or obsolete.
SHOSTAKOVICH
String Quartet N o 8 in C minor Symphony No 5 in D minor
STRAVI NSKY
The Rite of Spring
r
the peace center
presents
sergei prokofiev Sarcasms, Op. 17 Piano Concerto No. 1 Visions Fugitives, Op. 22 Performed by Marina Lomazov
THE GREENVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA celebrates
65years
of beautiful music
the peace center for the performing arts
THE PLANETS by Gustav Holst
performed by The Greenville Symphony Orchestra conducted by Edvard Tchivzhel tickets on sale at The Peace Center box office
August 18 , 2013
34
ANCIENT &MODERN
DANCES
performed by the New York City Ballet and the Emerson String Quartet
, Hits all the right notes!
,
N. Y. TIMES
Amazing cast!
,
,
L. A. TIMES
5 stars! TIME MAGAZINE
,
,
, the peace center
GREENVILLE, SC
hugu
enot
designed by Rebekah Rhoden
Published and created by Rebekah Rhoden