São Paulo City graphic memory: exploratory studies on typography and identity

Abstract

What are the main visual characteristics presented by the typographic artifacts produced and publicized in Sao Paulo city? This project aims at understanding the configuration of Sao Paulo city visual identity through these artifacts; assuming that the answer to this question may indicate the visual attributes that contribute to shaping the metropolis' sense of place or spirit of place. It is understood that this configuration is realized by the graphic and typographic choices made by city residents over time, and publicly displayed through forms and letters that are printed, written, engraved or drawn. By adapting grounded theory methods for a study on visual and material culture, combined with elements of analysis derived from Peircean semiotics, the results expected are a database with images and information on São Paulo city graphics memory, the formulation of theories and hypothesis on São Paulo city typography and identity, and the development of a digital type family based on the data collected. (AU)