TYPEFACE DESIGNRuzafa
An eye-catching sans-serif typeface derived from the bustling city of Valencia, Spain.
Research and document existing lettering, then design and create a bespoke typeface inspired by your findings. The full alphabet, numerals, and punctuation were made to bring physical typography to life in a digital space. Ruzafa is a brutalist-inspired sans-serif typeface. It can be utilized for both body copy and display.
PROJECT TYPE
Typography Design
ROLE
Typography Designer
SOFTWARE
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop
DELIVERABLES
Typeface Specimen
MADE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
Ruzafa is inspired by both Brutalist architecture and geometric design.
The Ruzafa typeface is inspired by the distinctive lettering found on the exterior of Mercat de Russafa, a bustling food market in Valencia, Spain, since its opening in 1962. Located in the heart of the Ruzafa neighborhood, the market is a vital part of local life, and its letterforms exude a unique character.
Drawing from Brutalist architecture and geometric design, the typeface captures the energy and personality of the original letters. Each character reflects a different aspect of this dynamic style. The Ruzafa typeface is a versatile sans-serif, ideal for bold display uses and impactful headings.
OUTCOME + TAKEAWAY
Designing a typeface based on unique lettering presented its own set of challenges. The key was maintaining the essence of the original letterforms while ensuring those characteristics were consistently applied across the entire typeface. Each classmate’s typeface was distinct. It was truly inspiring to witness the transformation of individual letters, once seen on a building, into a complete, functional typeface. It felt like a moment of historical significance to have the opportunity to digitize these simple letterforms, preserving their character and bringing them into the modern design world.