Aug 19, 2014 6:30 AM

Gallery: A Typeface That Mirrors Taiwan's Insane Roof Shacks

Illustration: Pentagram
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Pentagram designed the graphic identity for the *Township of Domestic Parts* exhibit at the Taiwan Pavilion for the Venice Architecture Biennale.
Photo: Iwan Baan
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For the pavilion, architect Jimenez Lai built nine structures. Each one corresponds to a domestic "program," like eating or sleeping.

Illustration: Pentagram
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The structures are also based on weijian, an illegal but widespread practice in Taiwan where homeowners tack ad-hoc rooms and sheds onto their houses.
Illustration: Pentagram
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Pentagram partner Natasha Jen looked directly to those these micro-buildings for the blueprint for the pavilion's signage.

Illustration: Pentagram
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Each micro-structure is translated into a flat pictogram, "like designing a logo for each house,” Jen says
Illustration: Pentagram
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Pentagram condensed each building into a flat rendering, and then created an even flatter emoji to represent it. Here, the House of Social Eating is a two-tone rice bowl.

Illustration: Pentagram
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The House of Sleep is a moon, that preserves the original blue and yellow colors from the structure.
Illustration: Pentagram
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The House of Pleasure is a bit more abstracted. Pentagram took some liberties, and created a simple, yet clear, heart icon.

Illustration: Pentagram
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The icons can also substitute for letters in the primary piece of signage. The tree-like Garden of Earthy Delight icon is a perfectly good letter 'M.'

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