Exploring the
materiality of language
Ligatures aims to highlight the richness of human expression and
cultural narratives through research of the design and materiality
of written language across different cultures and technologies.
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⮑
Ligatures aims to highlight the richness of human expression and cultural narratives through research of the design and materiality of written language across different cultures and technologies.
Our mission focuses on preserving typographic heritage, fostering intercultural connections, embracing diversity.
Addressing social issues, we aim to create an inclusive environment for dialogue and research, connecting students, researchers, and professionals in shaping the future of design.
Events/Activities
The Ligatures Special Interest Group (SIG) organizes regular open-to-attend events throughout the year, including conferences, masterclasses, and workshops.
These events aim to foster connections between students, researchers, and practitioners in order to explore topics such as typography, visual language, and design heritage. Each event is crafted to encourage knowledge-sharing and hands-on learning experiences, bridging traditional techniques with contemporary practices.
UPCOMMING EVENTS
Spring 2025: Chinese Calligraphy Workshop with master Ye Peirong
Spring 2025: Masterclass with Susana Carvalho and Kai Bernau (Atelier Carvalho-Bernau)
Summer 2025: Ligatures Summer School (details TBA)
Past Activities
Summer 2024: Type Walk Type Draw Workshop with Diogo Rapazote.
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Fall 2024: Living Lines open masterclass with Rui Abreu
Read more ⮑Research / Publications
The Ligatures Special Interest Group (SIG) produces both digital and analog outputs, including typefaces, prototypes and editorial artifacts both in digital and physical forms, exploring historical and contemporary design.
By bridging practice and theory, the SIG’s publications encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and reflections on experimental and speculative design.
The group is committed to making its work accessible to a broader audience, preserving design legacies, and pushing the boundaries of what design can achieve in addressing current challenges.
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