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Helvetica Type Specimen Book by Nehir Köse: A Modernist Typography Study

publication · 2026-08-31

Nehir Köse, a designer from Izmir, has developed the 'Helvetica Type Specimen Book,' which delves into the renowned typeface created by Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann in 1957. This publication showcases black-and-white layouts highlighted with vermilion callout markers, focusing on details such as stroke terminal geometry and consistent optical stroke weight. Each layout pairs characters to illustrate legibility from various distances, employing a rigid multi-column grid inspired by Swiss graphic design. It features striking scale variations, uneven margins, and clear baseline grids for precise alignment. Additionally, the book honors traditional bookmaking techniques with its lay-flat binding and high-quality uncoated paper. Köse’s work is displayed on Behance and highlighted by Abduzeedo.

Key facts

  • Nehir Köse is an Izmir-based designer.
  • The project is a typography design study of the Helvetica typeface.
  • Helvetica was created by Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann in 1957.
  • The book uses black-and-white spreads with vermilion callout markers.
  • It examines stroke terminal geometry, horizontal cuts, optical stroke weight, and aperture curves.
  • The design uses a strict multi-column grid system based on Swiss modernist principles.
  • The publication features lay-flat binding, sharp trim edges, and uncoated paper stock.
  • The project is available on Behance and was featured by Abduzeedo.

Entities

Artists

  • Nehir Köse
  • Max Miedinger
  • Eduard Hoffmann

Institutions

  • Behance
  • Abduzeedo

Locations

  • Izmir
  • Turkey

Sources