Criterium

Criterium is a measured, rhythmic, and condensed typeface family that is an interpretation of the warm, modernist typography found in Emil Ruder’s works for Gewerbemuseum Basel. In an approximation, Criterium adopts these prominent typographic attributes, utilizing them as the basis to shape its form in totality. Criterium is defined by expanded, yet condensed proportions and enclosed terminals, contrasting its considerably rounded contours. Select characters are marked with naturally arced, yet tightly contracted stem joins–an atypical detail that contributes to Criterium’s identity. Struck by the warmth, details and curvature of these particular typographic works, a limited character prototype was produced. With its primary forms realized, references were largely abandoned, while letterform construction logic was applied to each subset of new glyphs. In subsequent iterations, Criterium was further shaped by an effort to capture the general feel of this era, versus direct replication. In doing so, it was natural to not only refine, but eliminate the rough quality often found in early, or modern-era condensed typefaces. [aesthetictype.com]