A5/07

Rolf Muller: Stories, Systems, Marks

Muller Jens

This book is the first monograph dedicated to the designer Rolf Muller who is known above all for his design of the visual identity of the Munich Olympic Games in 1972. Shortly after graduating from the famous Ulm School of Design, his former professor Otl Aicher entrusted him with this work, which set new standards in international design. In parallel, he established his design firm Buro Rolf Muller in Munich. On the basis of selected projects, the book attempts to sketch the mentality and methods of his design: For nearly four decades, the firm developed corporate identities, books, magazines and signage systems on the highest level. The firm's projects include the visual identity of the City of Leverkusen, forged over several decades, and the magazine HQ High Quality for the company Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, of which 39 issues were published. As a storyteller and system designer, Rolf Muller has left his mark on international design history with his work. His stance has had a decisive impact in shaping the way in which today's communications designers view their profession.

Reviews

The A5 series have been awarded "The Best German Book Design 2009" in the category "Academic and Specialised Books".

Quote from the jury's statement:
"Three outstanding positions within the history of graphic design, outstandingly presented. The series, introduced here with a selection of examples, is conceptionally strong, formally honed and perfectly produced. The illustrations work well on pleasant bookprinting paper, the lightweight books being agreeable to hold. Despite generally applied layout principles each of the three books maintains complete individuality of appearance. The very restrained page-numbering makes a flexible and diverse impression despite an underlying grid. The texts are also easy to read when using small typeface sizes and the captions (in this case just as important as the accompanying texts) have been generously set. The idea behind the jacket is first-rate, producing a double-sided poster when folded out. Printed on the respective covers beneath are examples of significant works or typical forms from the designer in question".

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