HUGUENOT an original typeface designed by Rebekah Rhoden

2013

Table of Contents

concept

deve lopment

character design

majuscu les

miniscu les

numera ls

punctuat ion & symbols

app l icat ion

3

5

7

1 1

13

1 5

1 7

1 9

Concept

synopsisDrawing inspiration from iconic typefaces such as Helvetica and Tungsten, Huguenot was created with the intent to merge the clarity of Modernism with the familiarity of WPA-era America.

The architecture of Philip Johnson’s Glass House was a significant influence in the conceptual basis of Huguenot. Additionally, the Modernist design rational of Dieter Rams and Charles Eames further sculpted Huguenot’s identity.

purposeGood typography is designed for a specific purpose, and Huguenot is no exception. After careful consideration, the decision was made for Huguenot to be used for the identity and branding of The Peace Center in Greenville, SC.

As the premier performing arts venue in downtown Greenville, The Peace Center serves as a cultural landmark of the downtown area.

historyThe Peace Center was built in the 1980s as a last resort to revive a rapidly dwindling downtown area. The mayor of Greenville organized a committee to construct a performing arts building in hopes that a new entertainment venue would stimulate a renewal in commerce.

The Peace Center was constructed on a six-acre site on the corner of Main and Broad Street. To preserve Greenville’s rich heritage, The Peace Center was built into the already existing buildings at the site :a deteriorating Confederate Army factory, an old mayonnaise factory, and the Huguenot Mill textile factory.

These three original buildings were restored to create the majority of the complex that stands today. In 2012, a major renovation project added Modernist touches to this historic building, including a sleek glass-and-steel facade. This recent renovation echoes the changing tone of Greenville as a whole—a trend towards embracing Modernism while preserving Southern culture.

3

clear

structura l

harmon ious

Development

inspirationAbove all, the intended tone of each letterform needed to resonate as simple without being simplistic. Each form must be subtly expressive without relying on ornamentation. To achieve the desired outcome, the focus remained centered on adhering to Modernist principles while incorporating stylistic aspects of The Peace Center itself.

Inspiration for the shapes seen in Huguenot was taken both directly and indirectly from the actual physical structures found in and around The Peace Center complex.

processThe design process began with the miniscule a. Decidedly, this character would contain the majority of the typographic DNA of the typeface, and each curved character would be derived from the basic shape of the a.

sketchesThe sketch on the right was the starting point. This shape best resonated with the desired style and overall concept, and once this form was resolved, it was altered to enhance clarity and stroke consistency.

5

Character Design

lineageHuguenot carefully blends aspects of Helvetica and Tungsten to create a typeface that is precise and structural while maintaining sophistication and familiarity.

Huguenot merges Helvetica’s smooth curves and rounded shapes with the verticality and compactness of Tungsten without sacrificing legibility or clarity.

letterformsThe miniscule a is the basis for the entire Huguenot alphabet. Once the design of the a was determined, the majority of the curved miniscule letterforms fell into place.

With simplicity as the basis of every conceptual decision, each letterform was intended to have an even balance of positive and negative space. The counters within each letter feel open without relying on strict geometric principles.

7

a a a

as puo cg

anatomyThe H has a crossbar that is slightly elevated from the center of the letterform, which adds to the verticality.

The curve of the g is more round at the top, in contrast to the flatter bottom. This allows it to sit comfortably on the baseline, creating a sense of stability.

The m has more of a dip where the two shoulders meet, which is different from where the shoulder meets the stem. This feature creates more distinction between the two shoulders, increasing legibility.

The k demonstrates how the cap height and the ascender height are equivalent. This attribute incorporates structural uniformity throughout all characters.

The t is decidedly shorter than all other ascenders, which heightens the verticality of taller forms and creates a smooth transition between shorter and taller letters.

summaryIndividual letterforms within the typeface contain subtle nuances that give Huguenot its unique identity. The entire alphabet is based on a series of repeating curves and angles that create a consistent rhythm. Although consistency is key, in certain circumstances it is necessary to make optical adjustments to enhance legibility.

9

H g m k tC

X

B

D

A B C D E F G H

I J K L M N O

P Q R S T U

V W X Y Z

regu lar

1 1

A B C D E F G H

I J K L M N O

P Q R S T U

V W X Y Z

regu lar obl ique

a b c d e f g h

i j k l m n o

p q r s t u

v w x y zregu lar

1 3

a b c d e f g h

i j k l m n o

p q r s t u

v w x y zregu lar obl ique

0 1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9

regu lar

1 5

0 1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9

regu lar obl ique

. , ! ? &

regular

1 7

. , ! ? &

regu lar obl ique

Appl ication

effectiveHuguenot takes its job seriously. Its tall x-height allows for maximum readability while maintaining a sleek and sophisticated presence. Huguenot is strong without being overbearing. It conveys any message with clarity, whether it be a large header or a small numeral at the bottom of a page. Don’t let its simplicity fool you; practicality speaks louder than novelty.

versatileHuguenot wears many hats.Created specifically for branding The Peace Center, Huguenot was designed to play many different roles. Posters, sinage, logos, and programs are Huguenot’s specialty.It is successful as display text as well as in small amounts of copy.It thrives both on screen and on paper. Like any skilled performer, Huguenot is suited for a wide range of creative jobs. But most importantly, it knows its audience.

complementaryHuguenot plays well with others.It neither steals the spotlight nor fades into the background. It pairs well with a wide variety of typefaces, whether they be contemporary or classic.

timelessHuguenot stands the test of time.With its roots deep in typographic history, Huguenot maintains its relevance by not relying on design trends or fads. Its simple and clean structure allows for consistent use throughout the years without becoming overexposed or obsolete.

1 9

SHOSTAKOVICH

STRAVINSKY

String Quartet N 8 in C minorSymphony N 5 in D minor

The Rite of SpringThe Firebird

oo

String Quartet N 8 in C minorSymphony N 5 in D minor

the peace center presents

sergei prokofievSarcasms, Op. 17

Piano Concerto No. 1Visions Fugitives, Op. 22

Performed by Marina Lomazov

of beautiful music65

THE

GREENVILLE SYMPHONY

ORCHESTRA

celebrates

years

of beautiful music the peace centerfor the performing arts

THE PLANETSby Gustav Holst

August 18, 2013

performed by

The Greenville Symphony Orchestraconducted by Edvard Tchivzhel

tickets on sale at The Peace Center box office

34&MODERNDANCES

ANCIENT

performed by the New York City Balletand the Emerson String Quartet

Hits al l the right notes !

Amazing cast !

5 stars!

,,

,,,,,,,,

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N. Y. TIMES

L. A. TIMES

TIME MAGAZINE

the peace centerGREENVILLE, SC

Hits al l the right notes !

Amazing cast !

5 stars!

,,

huguenot

huguenotdesigned by Rebekah Rhoden

Publ ished and created

by Rebekah Rhoden