Geotype Submission

The Geotype project charts the rich history of lettering and type forms that have established the identity of cities and towns around the world. Explore the map

How does this letter-form communicate its location?

With Paris’ Haussmann architectural style, which was introduced during Napoleon III’s reign in an attempt to transform Paris into a city of air and light, so incredibly characteristic of the city’s overall visual identity, architectural lettering can be found chiselled into many buildings across the capital. For readability purposes, capitalised lettering is most commonly used, although the typefaces tend to vary between serif and sans serif forms – both styles successfully communicating a sense of deep-rooted history and transform Paris into its own walking museum. With names of important figures appearing on their old homes, or the building’s original purpose clearly stated, this style of lettering gives a clear picture of what Paris once was and transports the reader directly to the past.

Location

73 Rue Caulaincourt, Paris, France