Graphic Design for Architectural Spaces
A course by Ruedi BaurDesigner
A course by Ruedi Baur, Designer
Discover how graphic design can support architecture by analyzing the relationship between space, information, and graphic expression
Designer Ruedi Baur has mastered the art of decorating spaces and enhancing their functionality through graphics, typography, and signage, a skill he's been practicing for over thirty years. As an architect, he has drastically changed the dynamic of spaces like the Pompidou Centre in Paris, The New School in New York, and the Vienna airport by completing redesigning all their signage.
In this introductory course, learn how to create graphic design proposals adapted to the characteristics of different architectural projects. Through practical exercises and thorough analysis of real-life examples, discover how to craft functional or artistic texts for architectural or urban spaces. By the end, you'll know how to enrich any space with your signage.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 11 downloads
Place a text in a space 1
13 minutes, 40 seconds
Place a text in a space 2
15 minutes, 18 seconds
Modelization
17 minutes, 9 seconds
Choose a graphic expression
13 minutes, 40 seconds
Character design
10 minutes, 13 seconds
Architectural biases
15 minutes, 36 seconds
What's included in this course?
Designer Ruedi Baur leads into the course by telling you a bit about himself and showing you some of his most iconic work to give an idea of his approach to design. He also talks about his influence and the people who inspire him, such as architect AG Fronzoni and philosopher Édouard Glissant.
Dive into the theory with an introduction to some basic concepts and find out how a text can fit into a space by seeing it exemplified in an entrance hall mock-up. Then, explore different font options till you find the best one and discover the power letters have to transform the architecture that surrounds them.
Once you've got a grasp on the fundamental concepts, Ruedi explains how graphic designers and architects can work side by side to achieve stunning results and presents you with two examples: a hospital and a parking garage. Take an in-depth look at both to gather ideas and learn how to choose materials, colors, mediums, typography, and lighting. Then, study texts in motion and digital inscriptions using the Cinémathèque Française and the Médiathèque André Malraux as references.
Now it's time to take what you've learned a step further with a case study of the city of Nègrepelisse. Examine how thoughtfully designed signs, placards, and inscription can have a positive effect on the atmosphere of a city, focusing specifically on rewording texts, changing fonts or materials, and considering how citizens are addressed.
Wrap up the course by doing some research on other mediums where the relationship between information and design are as important as the setting of an exhibition, for example. Now it's your turn to decorate a space using inscriptions!
What is this course's project?
Create a graphic composition that solves issues in the space you've chosen to work with.
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in finding graphic solutions for architecture and urban spaces.
Requirements and materials
You need a basic understanding of typography, materials for creating 3D mock-ups, and a computer with Photoshop.
Reviews
- 3 months ago
Um curso excepcional. Fora da curva.
- 8 months ago
Un curso excepcional de un referente mundial de la gráfica del espacio. Imprescindible para abordar proyectos de señalética y marca en el espacio.
- goga89PLUS1 year ago
An intriguing course with highly valuable and inspiring examples.
- 1 year ago
Estoy muy satisfecho con el contenido y con la experiencia transmitida!
- 2 years ago
Excelente curso, sabe transmitir muy bien su experiencia. Inspirador
His extensive portfolio of projects includes signage for The New School in New York, the Cologne Bonn and Vienna Airports, and, more recently, the information system for the future transit lines of the Grand Paris Express (2022-2030).
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- My sources of inspiration
- U2
The fundamentals
- Place a text in a space 1
- Place a text in a space 2
- Modelization
- Choose a graphic expression
- Character design
- U3
Graphics to reinforce architecture
- Architectural biases
- Materiality and colors
- Direct or indirect light
- Digital registration
- U4
Put into practice
- Choice of space to magnify
- The function and the message
- Gardening the registrations in attendance
- U5
Additional openings and reflections
- Graphics and information
- FP
Final project
- Graphic Design for Architectural Spaces
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
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FAQs
Urban signage includes all graphic elements that guide, identify, and inform people in public spaces. It’s essential for helping users navigate, enhancing architecture, and strengthening a place’s identity.
This course is aimed at students, designers, architects, or graphic professionals with a basic design background who want to deepen their understanding of the relationship between graphic design, space, and architecture.
Basic knowledge of graphic design or architecture and proficiency with digital tools like Photoshop are recommended. An interest in urban graphics and typographic creation is a plus.
You’ll learn to analyze how graphic design and architecture interact, design appropriate signage systems, select materials and techniques, and create clear yet poetic inscriptions in public spaces.
Yes, the course includes practical exercises such as building 3D models, experimenting with typography, and developing signage projects tailored to real environments.
The course demonstrates how to tailor typography to architectural constraints by adjusting size, shape, spacing, and integrating text into various spaces and media.
Yes, software like Photoshop will be covered for creating signage, graphic design, and preparing digital mockups.