Modern Grids
When exploring modern grids, I found myself particularily drawn to the Bauhaus, German style. I looked through several books at the library and found the Bauhaus books to be extremely visually compelling, especially when evaluating the grids used. I like the look of the clean and simple layouts, that have quirky elements within them. I notice how, while the pages vary greatly in composition, the elements are kept modular, and seem to be stacked on top of each other, and often layered. Some pages seem to not follow margins found on other pages, breaking it’s own grid often. The layout is obviously focused on not only function, but form as well. Each text box and image is it’s own work of art, unlike the traditional grids and layouts we’ve previously observed where the focus was on solely the content. Rather than the typesetting being invisible to the viewer, allowing only the content to be noticed, this style focuses on content as well as the visual composition of information in a unique, yet clean way.
The linear grid applied often is also commonly skewed at an angle, while keeping the rigid format. Bauhaus is also known for it’s practicality, and use of little ornamentation or decoration. Clean lines and sharp boxes are the standard. I love the unique accents that are included, like asymmetry rather than a symmetrical page layout. This provides more visual interest for the viewer and creates a cohesive flow that begs the reader to continue on.
The Bauhaus style is easily recognizable by use of color, type, and layout. Primary colors are most common in designs of this type, with an emphasis seemingly on red and blue. Layouts are often minimalist and geometric, which complements the other elements of the modern grid. The typefaces implemented are primarily rigid, modern, and simple. Serif fonts are scarce, and small caps are very common practice.
The Bauhaus style of grid I find very aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and very useful for clearly laying out content in a simple and clear way. I’m glad that it seems to be making a comeback in graphic design today, and is inspiring even more modern takes on this famous layout.
