OUGD404 - An Introduction to Editorial Design - Presentation & (Architectural Inspiration)

I have included this post as it was used as good inspiration when completing my OUGD403 typeface design brief when creating grid systems for my font.

From the presentation given on grid systems and editorial newspaper design, I was heavily inspired by the relationship which I believe grids have with architecture. Mainly due to the window spaces, gutters and ledges which a building possesses. Grid systems are often thought of as a modernist approach to design however, that is not the case. As a graphic designer you are always challenged to break the barriers and think outside the box, this may seem harder when constrained by a grid system but it is not impossible.

This is a basic grid system which could be used for a magazine design. The 2D structure is a blueprint for all of the blocks of text, images, titles, footers and headings which compose to create the composition and layout.

Many similarity's can be seen in the interior design grid to the right, it has just been produced with perspective for a 3D scale. You could simply replace the light fittings, wall hangings and furniture with design elements such as image or text to create a bespoke grid system which has been inspired purely by architecture which i find fascinating. The relationship between the two creative areas is uncanny.


I have always had a massive interest in architecture mainly because my father is an architect. It was even one of my possible career paths which i was contemplating before university, this is why I have a great interest when the two can be interlinked. I have also always had a love of photography and even got accepted into the university for photography as well as graphic design. Due to this, whenever any of these factors come up in a topic, I will always try to relate these creative interests into my graphic design.

Below I have attached various primary source photographs of inspiring architecture which I took when visiting Australia. I believe that their geometric shading devices and features have an astonishing relationship with grid systems in magazine and newspaper design. If any briefs include grid system design, I will defiantly use my photographs to heavily inspire my design decisions.