HONOLULU, HAWAII
Architectonics of Typography
Architectonics is a typographic system based on the design philosophy of the 2012 Pritzker Prize Award Laureate – Wang Shu. Wang Shu is a Chinese architect from Hangzhou, China who is the founder of Amateur Architect Studios. The Pritzker Prize is an annual award to honor architects whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision, and commitment.
The main focus of Wang’s buildings is the notion of timeless architecture: architecture that transcends past, present, and future. He accomplishes this through his belief that he is an “amateur” architect. Through the practice of old Chinese building techniques, the use of traditional renewable materials, and the accessibility to local craftsmen – Wang redefines and rediscovers traditional Chinese culture.
Facades of the Ningbo Historic Museum
Sustainability & Memory
This system is comprised of a book, poster, and cards that perforate off. Throughout the reading, one is able to flip through the pages to form new connections and meanings–allowing for new instances of forming a past, present, and future.
The material used is recycled kraft paper, referencing Wang Shu’s use of salvaged bricks from local buildings damaged by natural disasters. The materials denote the cultural and political factors that represent the economic and social standings of China.
“I want to do something real with true feeling. Memory is deeper than symbols. The symbol is just about a concept, but memory is different. It can touch people and also touch very private feelings, very small things, in time.”
