In the bustling city of Kolkata, amidst the chaos and the concrete, lies a hidden treasure trove of typographic delights. Kwazi Design, a creative powerhouse based in New Delhi and Kolkata, has embarked on a captivating journey to uncover and celebrate the city's love affair with letterforms. Through their latest endeavor, Type Around Town, they have meticulously documented the city's visual landscape, revealing a rich tapestry of cultural influences and colonial heritage. This project marks a departure from their usual branding and visual design work, showcasing their deep-rooted passion for typography and their hometown's unique aesthetic.
Arshdeep Singh, the founder and creative director of Kwazi Design, shares his personal connection to the city's typographic wonders. Growing up in Kolkata, he was always intrigued by the cultural influences that shaped the city, both regional and colonial. During the pandemic, he found himself wandering the streets, noticing the intricate details that had previously gone unnoticed. It was then that he realized the profound impact of typography on Kolkata's visual identity. From marble plaques to hand-painted boards, letterforms permeate the city's surroundings, often overlooked but always captivating.
The project Type Around Town is a testament to Kwazi Design's commitment to observation and storytelling. By documenting the city's visual landscape, they have built narratives around these letterforms, uncovering the stories of craft, context, and changing times. This process has transformed their perception of Kolkata's aesthetic, viewing it not as relics of the past but as relevant and dynamic forms. The studio's approach to design is deeply rooted in the practice of observation, encouraging people to pay attention to the quieter, often overlooked details that tell the stories of the city.
What sets Type Around Town apart is its accessibility and its impact on the community. Kwazi Design aims to make their love for typography available to all, recognizing the limited availability of such projects in India. By creating merchandise to accompany the book, they hope to encourage people to appreciate the little things that surround them, just as Arshdeep did for his city. The project is a personal tribute to Kolkata, a celebration of the city's influence on his upbringing and a testament to the power of typography in shaping urban landscapes.
In conclusion, Type Around Town is a remarkable initiative that showcases the beauty of letterforms in a unique and captivating way. It invites us to explore the hidden stories and cultural heritage of Kolkata, while also encouraging a deeper appreciation for the typography that surrounds us every day. Through their dedication to observation and storytelling, Kwazi Design has created a project that is both visually stunning and culturally significant, leaving a lasting impact on the city and its people.
