Autobahn's "A is van Os": A Journey Through the Evolution of Alphabet

Unveiling the History of Letters Through a Vibrant, Tactile Book

The idea for "A is van Os" sprouted from Autobahn's work ethos: text is image. The team was inspired by the way a child learns to write, observing how the undeveloped spatial insight of a four-year-old leads to writing in different sizes, mirrored, and upside down. This process revealed a number of alphabetical primordial forms, which Autobahn decided to explore further, leading to the creation of a series of objects explaining the history of our alphabet.

"A is van Os" showcases the development of each letter in four historical time periods. The changes are visualized in bright colors, making them easy to follow. The first letters were cut in stone, so Autobahn hand-carved all original letterforms in stone as a visual reference. The tactile stone cover of the book is finished with a gravel coating, adding a sensory element to the reading experience.

Alongside the book, Autobahn designed three typefaces that are free for download. These can be used to send secret messages to friends in earlier forms of the alphabet, adding an interactive layer to the project. The book is coherent and consistent in design, drawings, and text, reflecting Autobahn's principle: text is image. It is a delightful book for children and anyone who loves letters, history, and design.

The project started in 2016 and was published in 2018 in Dutch. It was exhibited at the 65th Type Directors Club New York in 12 countries, received a Golden European Design Award, and was nominated for a D&AD award and a Dutch Creativity award. The book was translated into French in 2020 and English in 2021.

Autobahn faced the challenge of visualizing the transition of the alphabet. They overcame this by using clear lines and color differences to showcase the transformation of each letter. This method allows readers to easily follow the transformations, see how the letter developed, and still see where it originated from. This aspect makes the book unique in its genre.

"A is van Os" was awarded Silver in A' Print and Published Media Design Award in 2021, a testament to its innovative design and engaging content. It is a testament to Autobahn's creativity and commitment to design that educates and inspires.