Exploring the Materiality of Language

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About Ligatures

Ligatures is a special interest research project that explores the visual multifaceted nature of letterforms.

The term 'ligatures' refers to special characters in calligraphy and typography where different shapes are joined into unique forms, symbolizing our aim to interconnect cultural, political, technological, and health societal challenges and opportunities through our design-based methodology. By investigating script, calligraphic, and typographic designs across various cultures and technologies, we aim to uncover the rich tapestry of human expression through written language.

Our research spans historical techniques, contemporary digital practices, and speculative future-oriented design, with a commitment to addressing societal challenges and fostering a sustainable, inclusive world.

Our Mission

This project strives to:

  • Promote cultural and heritage preservation;
  • Foster intergenerational and intercultural networks;
  • Advocate for equality and celebrate diversity;
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors and address climate change;
  • Support safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives in an evolving society;
  • Champion peace, inclusion, and the value of diversity.

Meet the characters

Meet the dedicated team behind Ligatures. Our team comprises mainly of professors and researchers in Graphic Design, but we count on the generous help and collaboration of designers and practitioners, undergrad and grad students with diverse backgrounds and expertise, all united by a passion for exploring the materiality of language and its impact on society.

Pedro Amado FBAUP / i2ADS

Pedro Amado is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Porto (FBAUP), lecturing Typography, Web Design, Lettering & Type Design, and Research Methodologies. Integrated member of the i2ADS Research Institute, country delegate of the ATypI – Association Typographique Internationale, founding member of the ATIPO and of the Typography Meeting international conference. Extreme typophile and amateur letterpress printer & calligrapher he has an ongoing purpose to bridge the gap between the digital tools and the creative physical expression.

Catarina Silva ESD-IPCA / ID+

Catarina Silva, Assistant Professor, School of Design, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), Barcelos, Portugal. Ana Catarina Silva is a teacher, a researcher and holds a Ph.D. in Sciences and Technologies of Communication (University of Porto, Portugal), with a thesis that studied the design of the technical book in a hybrid editorial context. Her research projects address a variety of fields and their borders,from hybrid editions to independent publishing, typography, letterpress or illustration. Books (and its forms) are her passion, and she’s been teach- ing Typography, Editorial and Design Project in undergraduate and grad- uate degrees in Graphic Design and Digital Design since 2007 at IPCA. She is also a research member of CAOS (Communication, Art, Object, and Synergies/ID+ (Research Institute for Design, Media, and Culture), Barcelos, Portugal, a founding member of the ATIPO typography associa- tion, and a member of the Design Obs, a Portuguese Design Observatory.

Vítor Quelhas ESMAD-IPP / ID+

Vítor Quelhas, Assistant Professor, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, School of Media Arts and Design, Porto, Portugal and ID+ Research Institute for Design, Media and Culture, Aveiro, Portugal and uniMAD, Porto, Portugal Vítor Quelhas holds a Ph.D. in Design (Typography and Type Design) from the University of Aveiro, Portugal, an MFA in Multimedia Arts, and a degree in Communication Design/Graphic Arts, both granted by the Fine Arts School of the University of Porto, Portugal. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor of Communication Design, in the Department of Design, School of Media Arts and Design, Porto Polytechnic Institute, Portugal, where he coordinates the MA in Design. He is an integrated member of the ID+ and uniMAD research centers, country delegate of the ATypI–Association Typographique Internationale, and a founding member of the ATIPO and the Typography Meeting International conference. He has been promoting his work in several con- ferences, exhibitions and publications. Among other distinctions, his work was recognized with two Certificates of Typographic Excellence, awarded by the Type Directors Club of New York.

Cristina Ferreira FBAUP / i2ADS

Cristina Ferreira, born in Porto (Portugal), holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Design, a Master's degree in Art and Multimedia, and a PhD in Art and Design from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Porto. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Design at FBAUP, specializing in Communication Design and Photography. Previously, she worked as an illustrator of schoolbooks for several years at one of the country's leading publishers. She has participated in various congresses in the fields of Communication Design, Education/School Manuals, and Photography. Her research focuses on the epistemological field of images and how they can serve as a way of thinking and understanding the world, particularly through the analysis of the interaction between images and the technological artifacts responsible for their production. She also explores visual intersections between communication design, visual literacy, and photography. Integrated researcher at i2ADS – Institute of Research in Art, Design, and Society.

Fabrício Fava FBAUP / i2ADS

Fabrício Fava is a multidisciplinary designer and Researcher at i2ADS — Research Institute in Art, Design and Society, where he promotes research through design. As a moderator of the interest group in Ludic Interfaces and Speculative Design (iLudens), he has been exploring playful methodologies and expanding the idea of ludic design as a means to develop creative thinking.

Research Topics

Historical Research

Exploring the rich history of graphic design, including influential designers, communities, and legacies. We study past techniques to understand their impact and relevance today.

Technological Research

Investigating traditional tools and processes such as writing, grafitti and calligraphy, lead and wood type, typewriters and letterpress printing. We explore how these can be integrated into modern hybrid design approaches.

Contemporary Digital Typeface Design

Examining the current state-of-the-art in font design, development tools, and aesthetics. We focus on Latin and Multi-script writing systems, pushing the boundaries of contemporary typography.

Speculative and Future-Oriented Design

Exploring the latest advances in parametric, dynamic, and generative systems, including Artificial Intelligence, to envision the future of type design and its societal implications.

Read more about our research

Upcoming Events

Join us for our kickoff event, a cultural letterform identification and type design reinterpretation workshop on July 22-23 2024. Stay tuned for our annual symposium, featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops.

Register for the 2024 Workshop

Annual Symposium

Our yearly symposium brings together researchers and practitioners to discuss the latest developments in letterform studies. Submit your papers and participate in panel presentations and discussions.

This event will take first take place in 2025

Submit Your Paper (Soon!)

Open Access Journal

Explore our findings and presentations in our peer-reviewed open access journal. We compile the research and insights from our workshops, symposiums, and ongoing projects to share with the global community.

Read Our Journal (Soon!)

Get Involved

We welcome researchers, designers, and enthusiasts to join our community. Whether you're interested in contributing to our research, participating in events, or collaborating on projects, there are many ways to get involved.

Have questions or want to learn more about our project? Get in touch with us.

Contact Us (Soon!)

Please note this project's webpage is still under development. This listing is not complete and lacks proper hyperlinks and details. Make sure to reload this page in early 2025 to see the final camera-ready version.