What does the rigorous graphic design approach of the 1950’s have to teach today’s information architects? A question at the heart of the traveling exhibition Swiss Style Reboot.
Photo: Mitch Weiss
"For many of my students, Swiss Style Reboot was a transforming moment. The exhibition wasn't only beautiful; it also mattered. My students will be better designers because they have seen this show," said John Kane, graphic design lecturer at Northeastern University and author of A Type Primer.
The first edition of the Swiss Style Reboot: New Perspectives for Information design was a great success. The exhibition curated by SwissInfographics took place at Gallery 360 of Northeastern University in Boston, from June 1st to July 17th, 2013.
Swiss Style Reboot presents the graphic design principles developed by the pioneers of Swiss Style, which is characterized by clear, functional and highly crafted visual communication. It explores their particular relevance for today’s infographics, data visualizations and interactive interfaces.
A mix of old and new
The first part of the exhibition showcases masterpieces by mid-20th century pioneers of Swiss Style including, among others, Otto Baumgartner, Max Bill, Karl Gerstner, Armin Hofmann, Ernst Keller, Peter Megert, Josef Müller-Brockmann, Siegfried Odermatt, Emil Ruder, Jan Tschichold, Massimo Vignelli, Carlo Vivarelli, Jean Widmer and Kurt Wirth.
The second part showcases new research by international designers who are currently extending the Swiss legacy into infographics, data visualization and interaction design. It features works by, among others, C2F, Catalogue Tree, Nicholas Felton, Francesco Franchi, Alessandro Giberti, John Grimwade, Nigel Holmes, Kai Krause, Martin Krzywinsky, LargeNetwork, National Geographic, onlab and Superinteressante.
Within the show, a short film (watch here) explores the link between today's infographics and the Swiss Style. Last but not least, an exhibition brochure contains background information about each exhibit.
Google at Swiss Style Reboot
On June 20th, 2013, SwissInfographics and its partners organized Information Design and Data Visualization Boston 2013, a one-day symposium featuring exhibition tours, movie screenings and presentations by 20 distinguished guests, on topics ranging from wind maps to the visualization of biological and urban data. Among the speakers: Frenanda Viegas and Martin Watterberg from Google and Ben Fry, co-author of Processing and founder of Fathom.
Photo: Mitch Weiss
Photo: Mitch Weiss
Photo: Mitch Weiss
Photo: Mitch Weiss
Photo: Mitch Weiss
Photo: Mitch Weiss
Photo: Mitch Weiss
Photo: Mitch Weiss
A glimpse into the exhibition content
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Susan Young
Photo: Mitch Weiss
Swiss Style Reboot was organized by SwissInfographics in collaboration with swissnex Boston, Presence Switzerland and the College of Arts, Media and Design at Northeastern University.
Curator: Benjamin Bollmann, SwissInfographics
Art direction: onlab
Curator: Benjamin Bollmann, SwissInfographics
Art direction: onlab
Swiss Style Reboot
New Perspectives for Information Design
An exhibition curated by SwissInfographics
June 1 – July 17, 2013
Opening reception: June 4, 2013
Symposium: June 20, 2013
Gallery 360
Ell Hall/Curry Student Center
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston
New Perspectives for Information Design
An exhibition curated by SwissInfographics
June 1 – July 17, 2013
Opening reception: June 4, 2013
Symposium: June 20, 2013
Gallery 360
Ell Hall/Curry Student Center
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston
