Industrial Typography:
I found this image of steel handrails in a bathroom forming the word "play" from http://www.oberholtzer-creative.com/visualculture/2008/08/. I was immediately drawn to it's uniqueness and playfullness. I also enjoy this piece because it is functional. The use of material and style, as well as placement, makes it very industrial. However, the shape of the words and choice of word makes it very playful as well.
I don’t expect it is common to find examples that fit in both industrial and playful categories because somehow those two categories are almost the opposite. This is what makes this example so unique! The meaning of the word “play” is in stark contrast to the wide metal handrails and the rigid and symmetrical letters. If I didn’t understand English, I would not think this example playful at all. But after thinking about the meaning of the word, I can image these handrails on the side of a public pool so that kids can pull themselves up on them, climb on them, and jump back in the water. Suddenly this example is very playful indeed. Nice find!
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