The origin of Supergraphics can be traced to its introduction along with Supermannerism back in the 1960s. With the generation embracing free expressions and the 60s American urban culture/art, the application of graphic elements and International Typographic Style to architecture became a hugely popular art concept. In relation to architecture, supergraphics generally consist the use of bold geometric shapes, san serif typefaces, bright colours and scale changes.
In particular, I really like the examples of designer, Paula Scher as her supergraphic applications to buildings’ interior often give us a feel of both flatness and depth depending on what angle we see it in. It is almost like her team has completely disregarded the three-dimensionality and apply the type as if the interior was a two-dimensional space.
![](https://eportfolios.capilanou.ca/joycechan4/wp-content/uploads/sites/7908/2019/02/Screen-Shot-2019-02-28-at-12.43.21-PM-762x1024.png)
![](https://eportfolios.capilanou.ca/joycechan4/wp-content/uploads/sites/7908/2019/02/Screen-Shot-2019-02-28-at-12.43.31-PM-697x1024.png)
Other than architecture, type can also be integrated as a linear pattern on the ground for street art and guide. A real life application is the street of Lisbon Bikeway in Portugal we can see today. Not only is supergraphic used for decoration, it also has a practical purpose of indicating bike lanes, speed limits and other information.
![](https://images.fastcompany.net/image/upload/w_596,c_limit,q_auto:best,f_auto/wp-cms/uploads/sites/4/2018/02/12-b-a-guide-to-the-worlds-coolest-supergraphics.jpg)
References:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90162145/a-tour-of-the-worlds-coolest-supergraphics
http://www.historygraphicdesign.com/the-age-of-information/postmodern-design/871-supermannerism
Recent Comments