Ruth Duma-Coman et al.

jury statement

★★
Germany /// Deutschland
★★

A series of glue-bound paperbacks in a handy format, Everyday Urban Design boasts a winning simplicity. Closer inspection reveals carefully chosen details that make the books truly special. Each features a unique cover, distinguished by different colours and textures. The cardstocks vary ever so slightly from one cover to the next – their surface is either ribbed, lined, leathery or cloth-like, which not only enhances tactile appeal but also adds a distinctive character to each title.

The blurb, which would conventionally be on the back, is right on the front cover – and set vertically. Inside, the carefully structured layout creates a dynamic page design in which the main body matter flows around the footnotes, which are also vertical. The publications, which arose out of projects at Hamburg’s HafenCity University, make the work accessible both to professionals and general readers.

Despite their differing covers and diverse subjects, the series maintains a cohesive identity via the consistent cover typography and unifying interior layout. This thoughtful design approach ensures that each individual volume also forms part of a harmonious collection. The use of different paper types and textures throughout the books elevates the overall quality, providing a tactile experience that complements the engaging content. This series exemplifies how judicious design and material choices can create an intriguing product that appeals to a wide audience while maintaining high standards of print quality.