Discourse One

Grid and Design Philosophy
By Josef Muller-Brockmann

• Using the grid as an ordering system is an expression of a certain mental attitude.
• Work with grid systems means submitting to laws of universal validity.
• Every visual, creative work is a manifestation of the character of the designer. It is a reflection of his knowledge ability and mentality.
• The grid is used for solving visual problems in two and three dimensions.
• For graphic designers and typographers it is used for things such as press advertisement, books, catalogs, etc.
• By arranging the surfaces and spaces in the form of a grid the designer can place his design elements in the space with objective and functional criteria, allowing the information to be presented logically and clearly.
• The grid divides a 3d plane into smaller fields or a 3d space into smaller compartments, these can be either the same or of different sizes. The fields are separated by an intermediate space known as a margin so
• That pictures and text don’t touch each other, so that legibility is preserved. The grid determines the constant dimensions of space and there is virtually no limit to the number of grid divisions.
• “The smaller differences in the size of the illustrations the quieter the impression created by the design.”
• Economic reasons for using a grid: a problem can be solved in less time at a lower cost.
• Rational reasons for using the grid: simple and complex problems can be solved in a uniform and characteristic style.
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When searching for pieces to complement and support this article, i thought it be best to browse the works of the author , Josef Muller-Brockmann. All of these pieces are works by this artist. Thee first two are a series of posters. Good design is demonstrated in these series through simple use of the grid and hierarchical arrangement of the type. The first appears to be a 5 column grid with left-alignment and ragged right. It utilizes the grid excellently by either using one column for the basic text and then stretching out the more important information across two columns. The most emphasis is brought to the title, which is the only type that is white and stretched across all the 5 columns. The same can be said for the 9 column grid that is one the adjacent poster.




This piece is also by Brockmann. In this work more visual interest is spurred, because the type is on a diagonal grid. This is a great example showing that a grid does not have to look repetitious and can still remain orderly and legible.




The grid brings visual unity and structure to all of these pieces, making them legible and orderly. By just simply placing text and illustrative material on a grid, ones work immediately appears visually pleasing. These examples show the range of grids that can be used, from two-grids systems to nine-grid systems. It allows for spacing and grouping without making the composition awkward or claustrophobic