Hacking Gutenberg, Basel Academy of Art and Design

The workshop focuses on the sensory and implementation-oriented experience of letterpress printing, various printing processes and the typographic measuring system. The existing typefaces are introduced, their potential learned and the printing machines familiarized with. At the end, all participants will be able to print and operate the elements themselves to a large extent. This also includes getting to know the proof press and building their own printing form using various analog and digital techniques. All this with expert coaching and in the unique infrastructure of p98a.

According to the motto "The hand is the window to the mind", a workshop designed for the HGK Basel introduces participants to the basics of the letterpress workshop, typography and letterpress printing in the unique setting of p98a. Participants then work on a project to implement the techniques they have learned using lead or wood type and expand on traditional applications. Traditional methods are expanded with digital techniques and a risograph. A collection of unique fonts and printing techniques including the printing machines are available, as well as very competent coaching. This is preceded by an introduction to the historical background and highly topical discussions on cultural heritage and the use of hybrid methods of historical techniques for understanding design. As the above quote from Immanuel Kant suggests, sense and sensuality are inextricably linked in this unique workshop. The banal realization that knowledge can and must be tangible in design is given a perspective in the constellation of this workshop that goes far beyond the setting of type and printing. In addition to Erik Spiekermann, the three experts Helene Bunge, Lillith and Lennart Zachwieja will provide the small group with advice and support - the designer and lecturer Ralf Michel will accompany the group from the HGK Basel.

Lilith Zachwieja hat in Konstanz Kommunikationsdesign studiert und im Sommer 2019 bei p98a ihre Bachelorarbeit verfasst. Seit dem ist sie fest angestellt. Lilith managt die Werkstatt, plant und leitet Workshops und entwickelt neue Druckprodukte.

Helene Bunge hat Architektur studiert und sammelte danach Erfahrungen in den Bereichen Interior-, Produkt-, Grafikdesign und Events. Seit 2019 gehört sie zum p98a-Team, zuerst als Analog-Shop-Managerin (Konzeption, Interior, Events), danach als Druckerin (Ideen, Satz), sowie als Social-Media- und Salesmanagerin.

Lennart Zachwieja ist ausgebildeter Produktdesign-Assistent und restauriert und pflegt bei p98a die historischen Druckmaschinen, um ihnen neues Leben einzuhauchen. Außerdem kennt und liebt er unsere RISO besonders und hat sie nach langer Zeit wieder reaktiviert. Er leitet den RISO-Teil in Workshops, entwickelt und produziert neue Produkte und Kundenaufträge.

Ralf Michel ist Designer, Publizist und Kurator. Er hat zur Interaktion von Farbe und Licht sowie der Integration von Design in Innovationsprozesse geforscht. Ralf unterrichtet seit Ende der 90’er Jahre an verschiedenen Hochschulen und coacht Studierende verschiedener Disziplinen bei ihren Abschlussarbeiten.

The continuing education programs are primarily aimed at individuals with an academic degree from a recognized university and relevant professional experience after graduation.Individuals with equivalent qualifications will be admitted if their eligibility for participation is demonstrated by other evidence.

For further questions, please contact the Continuing Education Department, Ralf Michel