The Molecular Typography Laboratory by Kobi Franco is a speculative research project that delves into experimental typography, exploring the intersection of function versus aesthetics and content versus form. This pseudo-scientific study operates on the premise that Latin and Hebrew letters possess a molecular structure, examining how this assumption can be applied to alphabets and languages. It is an interdisciplinary endeavor that bridges the gap between design, science, and language.
The research is a deep and comprehensive exploration of the concept of “molecular typography.” It involves a series of over 150 tests, each designed as a structured “game” where Franco defines the rules, sets the stage, and selects the participants. These tests have led to the identification of 11 key themes: foundations, language, gender, formula, weight, 3D, gravitation, generative research, color, word play, and the relationship between type and image. The project features four illuminating essays that provide historical, cultural, and academic insights into typographic research.
